07/10/2023 - THE DIFFICULT CHOICE

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So Gad came to David and told him; and he said to him, “Shall seven years of famine come to you in your land? Or shall you flee three months before your enemies, while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days’ plague in your land? Now consider and see what answer I should take back to Him who sent me.” 2 Samuel 24.13

A wicked desire planted by Satan in David’s heart to register the people who were at his disposal, in order to do the Lord’s work, made this servant despise the Lord and, because of this, punishment came (1 Chronicles 21.1). According to the message carried by the prophet, David would have to choose one of three penalties: seven years of famine, three months of attack by his enemies, or three days of pestilence in his kingdom. Conscious sin leads to a terrible condemnation, but today there is an escape: repentance (Mark 1.15).

The Almighty was saddened by David’s stubbornness and, in order to save him, sent Gad to speak to him, for divine justice needed to be attended to. Saved people should never play with the devil, giving in to his desires and yielding to temptation. Being tempted does not mean being in sin; however, if you yield to temptation, you will have corrupted yourself. Giving heed to the enemy is a declaration of disobedience to the One who protects us.

The first option was: Do you want seven years of famine to come upon your land? Disaster came upon Israel when the king ordered a census. From that mistake, how many would die of starvation due to that disastrous order? With hunger comes misery, disrespect from those who erred, and the worst and unimaginable tragedies. Some become prostitutes, others start stealing and selling drugs, etc. The king did not accept this punishment. What a high payment sin requires!

The second sentence was to be persecuted by his enemies for three months. David knew well that during this period he would have to flee from the evil spirits. Here we see the severity of the penalty for the transgressors. Transgression must never be accepted, because the person will pay a high price for it. Unfortunately, this happens all the time. The fact of being imperfect cannot serve as an excuse to err, nor does it solve the matter. Repentance is necessary (Acts 3.19)!

The third option was clear and quite destructive: Or let there be plague in your land for three days? There was no way to solve this with prayer, for Jesus had not yet come, and sin would have to be atoned for. David’s answer was wise: “I am in great distress. Please let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man.” (2 Samuel 24.14). Pay heed to this: with the plague, seventy thousand men died (v. 15)!

Here is the reason for the census and God’s refusal to allow it: the king’s heart would no longer depend on the Lord. David had placed his hope in the number of men who would go to war. God was his Shield, his Protection, and so this king did not need to know the brawn of his army, for the Creator would never abandon him.

When man closes his ear to God, he opens it to the devil, who looks for an opportune occasion to try such a life. Be alert and be faithful always; that way, the Father will act on your behalf and fulfill the desires of your heart!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares