PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: 2 Samuel 23-24
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and he incited David against them.” (2 Samuel 24:1)
This story gets really confusing when we read the parallel version in 1 Chronicles.
There it says “Satan incited David to take a census of Israel.” (1 Chronicles 21:1)
To make sense of this, we need to recall how the Jews understood the world.
They believed in only one God, sovereign over all other gods, and creation.
When bad things happened, even if humans caused them, they saw God as in charge.
In comparison today, they would see COVID-19 as God’s angel bringing the plague.
But God is not the cause of evil or suffering, nor is God powerless over them.
God allows us the freedom to choose, but also controls our choices and Satan’s schemes.
In this way, we need never lose hope, even when we mess things up really bad.
No matter what happens, no matter how bad we mess up, God is still in control.
And God will work everything out for good for those that humbly seek mercy.
“Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great.” (2 Samuel 24:14)
God in mercy sends Jesus to overcome the plague of sin, and to set things right!
This current pandemic may be out of our control, but not his; he will get us through it!
PRAYER
Lord, our sin and Satan’s schemes keep messing up our world, but I trust you through it all. I put myself in your hands!
Where to I find security? David had his mighty men and an army – which he counted. He realized he had put his security in his own might and no longer with the Lord. He relented and he submitted to the punishment God meted out. Yet David knew God to be gracious and compassionate – even in the face of punishment. David was given the opportunity to set things right – and he wasn’t going to let someone else pay the bill – he was to blame! Help me Lord not to cling to securities and self – but humble myself – I need the Lord!
Always in His presence.
Know this and live each day knowing this.
Walk and talk with the living God each day. Know and do His will. He continues to lead and guide His people. He upholds them. And the people, me, need to do His will in our daily living for Jesus in the good times and in the bad times. I am always in His care.
When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.