Today we are reading the final chapter of 2 Samuel, chapter 24. In this chapter we read about David taking a census of the people. “But David’s heart struck him after he had numbered the people. And David said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O Lord, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have done very foolishly.” And when David arose in the morning, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying, “Go and say to David, ‘Thus says the Lord, Three things I offer you. Choose one of them, that I may do it to you.'” So Gad came to David and told him, and said to him, “Shall three years of famine come to you in your land? Or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days’ pestilence in your land? Now consider, and decide what answer I shall return to him who sent me.” Then David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but let me not fall into the hand of man.”” 2 Samuel 24:10-14 ESV It is unclear what exactly David has done to incur God’s wrath. We do know that the people had a long history of wandering from the true faith. This is the greatest sin of all. In my opinion, if David was at fault, the people should not be punished. But, if the people are at fault, David should grieve their sin and suffering. Have you ever suffered from the sins of someone else? It seems unfair but even in such times God can teach us important lessons. What did you learn when you suffered? How have you been strengthened in your faith? May God purify you so that you can serve Him with your whole heart! Pastor Tim
