It was giggles and winks. The happy couple were on their honeymoon and their public display of affection was both endearing and distracting. While most onlookers wished them well, a few sarcastically commented, “How long before the honeymoon period is over?” This term is usually applied to marriages but has been adapted for other situations. For example, in business relationships, one may ask this question after a successful deal is closed. In the beginning, all involved parties are smiles and pats on the back but when problems arise, cracks may occur. Before long, the honeymoon period is over and conflict inevitably results.
What about spiritual matters? The Bible gives us an interesting account of the nation of Israel after Joshua had taken command and led them across the Jordan river. Their first victory was a miraculous triumph, conquering the walled city of Jericho. Joshua then sent spies to survey the next city of Ai and, brimming with confidence, they informed Joshua that they could easily conquer the city with far fewer men. The result was an embarrassing defeat. The honeymoon period was over.
Joshua sent some of his men from Jericho to spy out the town of Ai, east of Bethel, near Beth-aven. When they returned, they told Joshua, “There’s no need for all of us to go up there; it won’t take more than two or three thousand men to attack Ai. Since there are so few of them, don’t make all our people struggle to go up there.” So approximately 3,000 warriors were sent, but they were soundly defeated. The men of Ai chased the Israelites from the town gate as far as the quarries, and they killed about thirty-six who were retreating down the slope. The Israelites were paralyzed with fear at this turn of events, and their courage melted away.
Joshua 7:2-5 (NLT)
What was the reason for their defeat? The Israelites did not seek God’s approval or advice before they attacked. God then revealed to them that one of their own, a man named Achan, had sinned by not giving all of the plunder from their previous battle to God. Overconfidence, greed, and disobedience brought the spiritual honeymoon period to an end.
It does not have to be this way. As Christian believers, we are part of His Church, the bride to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are spiritually yoked to Him and He promises to bless us exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think. We can always remain in our spiritual honeymoon period because He is God, the perfect bridegroom.
Amen!
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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