Apr 27 – Achan’s Father!

“Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard.” (Proverbs 21:13)

A preacher once asked his congregation, “Do you know the name of Achan’s father?” No one knew. Then he explained: Achan was the one who took a wedge of gold and a Babylonian garment from the accursed city of Jericho and hid them in his tent. Because of this sin, the Israelites were defeated in the battle of Ai and fled in shame. When it was finally discovered that Achan was the cause of the defeat, he and his entire family were punished. The Bible says that his father’s name was Carmi.

The Tamil meaning of the word Carmi can imply a miserly person, a selfish person, or one who withholds what should be given. The son of Carmi—Achan—acted selfishly by hiding the Babylonian garment and gold in his tent.

Thus, Carmis produce Achans, and Achans produce selfishness. In the end, such attitudes produce defeat. Because of this, the people of God suffer and experience defeat in their battles.

Often the reason the work of the Lord is hindered is because of “Carmis” in the spiritual world—people who withhold what belongs to God. Those who withhold the tithes that should go to God’s work, and those who block the progress of the gospel through selfishness, ultimately lose what they hold back. The money they refuse to give to God may eventually be lost through sickness, difficulties, or unexpected troubles.

George Müller’s life was filled with great success in God’s work. He was not a wealthy man, but he had a generous heart toward God. Because of this, the Lord continually provided for him. He cared for and raised ten thousand orphans and became a remarkable example of generosity.

He gave sacrificially to many Christian ministries. As a result, blessings returned to him many times over. Until the end of his life, the Lord led him wonderfully without any lack.

The Bible says: “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

(Luke 6:38)

Children of God, whatever you give to the Lord is like storing treasure in heaven. It is secure there—thieves cannot steal it, and moths cannot destroy it.

Verse for further meditation: “Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)