03/05/2020 - DAVID WAS CONSCIENCE-STRICKEN

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David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, LORD, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.”  2 Samuel 24:10

Our heart’s desires are not always good, as they seem, because the devil can lead us to think of things that displease God. The commander of the army of Israel fought with David, so that he would not make the census of the warriors, but was overcome by the king’s stubbornness. It was a long time. They had to go from city to city, village to village, to know who could go to war.

Since David did not move from his intention to count his soldiers, Joab began to gather the information, taking nine months and twenty days, until the nefarious result came. Years later, one of David’s descendants fell in similar case. Seeing the blessing upon his people, King Asa decided to erect walls around the cities of his kingdom, to be safe when peace was over. But then came Zerah, which alone did not conquer him, because he cried to God (2 Chr 14: 6-12).

David’s actions did not please the Lord. He prayed and asked for forgiveness, but he would have to do something else so that his mistake was spied on and the devil would not invade his life and lead him astray again. He would have to choose one of three proposals sent by God by the prophet Gad: 1) to face seven years of famine in all Israel; 2) flee for three months from before his enemies, who would pursue him; 3) see three days of plague operating in the country (2 Sam 24:13).

Wisely, David preferred to fall into God’s hands. After all, being merciful, the Lord would not leave you in so much suffering. Today, there is no such choice. However, if we confess our sins, we will see them forgiven before the devil causes us any harm. Whoever does not repent of the wrongdoing will be tormented day and night, and will be lost forever. Have mercy!

Early on, the plague killed more than 70,000 people in Israel, nearly 10 percent of David’s large military force. Why, he was always guided and protected by God, so why was he wondering how strong he was if it didn’t come from the Lord? Those who insist on doing what the Lord has not said will bring to their own a series of sufferings that will cause perpetual evil.

When the angel came to destroy Jerusalem, God said it was enough, for David had already felt how much his carnal decision had hurt the Lord. By being obedient to God, you will be successful. Fight the good fight, finish your career, and keep the faith (2 Tim. 4: 7), to be blameless all the time. The Almighty loves those who love Him, but those who leave Him will be left.

David had to buy the place where he saw the angel and build an altar to the Lord there, so that the plague would cease. Be sure to seek the Most High in times of trial. Being the great God, He can give an honorable way out of your downfall. Win with Him!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares