Judgment (children)

Hide it quick! Someone is coming. Some boys and girls think they can hide things, but the Bible says, "Thou God seest me." God can see in the dark as well as in the light. He can see right through a wall and He can look right into our hearts. He knows our most secret thoughts. He says in His Word, "Be sure your sin will find you out."

Once a long time ago when God was helping His chosen people to overcome their enemies, they came to a big strong city and were afraid! God told them not to fear, that He would fight for them and give them the victory. But He told them that they must destroy everything in the city and burn it up. They were not to keep even one single tiny thing. And as He promised, they had a wonderful victory.

But shhh, now I will tell you something that happened that no one knew about just then.

A man named Achan saw some things he liked, so after the battle was over, he took them when no one was looking and buried them down in the ground, where he was sure no one would find them.

Soon after this, God's people came to a small city and they were not so scared this time. But guess what happened! They were BEATEN BY THEIR ENEMIES, and had to run away from them. Joshua, the captain, was so ashamed and disappointed that he went to God and complained. He asked God why he had let them get beaten.

Then God told him what you and I already know. He knew it all the time, of course. Someone in the army had sinned and disobeyed Him. He told Joshua that he would have to go from tent to tent, family to family, until he found the man and the things which he had hidden, and to destroy everything! Yes sir, what's what they had to do, or God said He would not help them any more at all. God helped to find Achan, and he finally confessed. They brought him out and stoned him until he died. Then they burned up everything.

How terrible, you say. Of course it was. Sin is terrible because it always brings sadness, pain and suffering to people, and it has to be judged.

At the end of the world, the worst judgement of all is coming. At that time, nobody will escape except those who have come to God and confessed all their sins, and have had their hearts washed clean by Jesus' blood. Jesus took our punishment on the cross, and by believing in Him, we have eternal life.

Today, if you have sinned or done wrong, even the least little thing, ask God to forgive you - for Jesus' sake - and let Him come into your heart to live all the time. When he comes into your heart He will help you to be good.

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart."