PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: 1 Chronicles 20-21
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Satan incited David to take a census of Israel.” (1 Chronicles 21:1)
By taking the census, David was putting more confidence in his troops than in God.
But who incited David to take the census, God or Satan?
“The anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, ‘Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.'” (2 Samuel 24:1)
According to James, God does not tempt anyone (James 1:13-14).
But God does test us, and the Greek word for tempt and test is the same.
The difference is the intent: God wants to help us, Satan wants to hurt us.
God uses Satan and David’s sinful heart to show what comes of forgetting God.
As in the parable of the prodigal son, the Father lets the son choose his folly.
But he also is ready and eager to take us back, when we come to our senses.
God allows us the freedom to choose, and he uses our choices to teach us.
Using Satan God tests us, but he always has a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Today’s reading shows us the serious danger of Satan, sin and temptation.
It is also a call to repent, and to reach out to Jesus for mercy and help.
PRAYER
Lord, I am tested/tempted everyday… and you allow it. Help me to see your heart in this, your intent to help me choose the path of LIFE with you!
I am tempted and sometimes I don’t resist enough and I take wrong actions! I admit it. David did too – and he had to accept the consequences. He was given choices for punishment and he chose: “Let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into human hands.” And the rest of the story proves him right. But still lives were lost and David even feared for his own life – yet he was willing to give it if it would stop the plague. I too need to genuinely repent and bow down to God’s mercy – and there is no better place to be. A contrite heart the Lord will not despise [Ps 51:17]
Have Thine own way Lord. I am His and He is mine and His banner over me is love. I need to be in tune to His Way always. Not my will but His be done. Guide me Lord that I walk in Your ‘SonShine’ always doing Your will and not my own.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.