July 15
1 Chronicles 19:1-21:30; Romans 2:25-3:8; Psalm 11:1-7; Proverbs 19:10-12
Today we see David -- the man after God’s own heart -- in another epic failure. He orders Joab and his commanders to take a census of the troops. This doesn’t necessarily sound bad; yet, Joab knows it's wrong, and that it will bring guilt upon Israel. Moreover, David is surely aware it's a request he has no right to make. Whether because of his arrogance or fear of other armies (or another motivator), David did what was right in his own eyes rather than placing his trust in the Lord.
Even though David fails to obey God throughout his life and reign, he quickly humbles himself, repents, and accepts the consequences of his actions. In 1 Chronicles 21:8, David admits, “I have sinned greatly by doing this. Now, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing,” and in 21:17, he acknowledges his kingly responsibility. “I, the shepherd, have sinned and done wrong. These [Israelites] are but sheep. What have they done?” In this passage, David models the right response to failure. Instead of rationalizing his actions or minimizing his role, he turns to God for mercy.
I Chronicles 21:13 should also be our response to the sin in our lives: “I am in deep distress. Let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great.” When we fail -- and oh, how we continuously fail -- let us be quick to turn to God and fall into his hands, for his mercy is very great.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the mercy you offer us through the blood of Jesus. Help us heed warnings when we are tempted to sin, and when we fail, may we be quick to turn to you. Amen.
Question of the day: How do you respond when you are confronted with your sin?
Today we see David -- the man after God’s own heart -- in another epic failure. He orders Joab and his commanders to take a census of the troops. This doesn’t necessarily sound bad; yet, Joab knows it's wrong, and that it will bring guilt upon Israel. Moreover, David is surely aware it's a request he has no right to make. Whether because of his arrogance or fear of other armies (or another motivator), David did what was right in his own eyes rather than placing his trust in the Lord.
Even though David fails to obey God throughout his life and reign, he quickly humbles himself, repents, and accepts the consequences of his actions. In 1 Chronicles 21:8, David admits, “I have sinned greatly by doing this. Now, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing,” and in 21:17, he acknowledges his kingly responsibility. “I, the shepherd, have sinned and done wrong. These [Israelites] are but sheep. What have they done?” In this passage, David models the right response to failure. Instead of rationalizing his actions or minimizing his role, he turns to God for mercy.
I Chronicles 21:13 should also be our response to the sin in our lives: “I am in deep distress. Let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great.” When we fail -- and oh, how we continuously fail -- let us be quick to turn to God and fall into his hands, for his mercy is very great.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the mercy you offer us through the blood of Jesus. Help us heed warnings when we are tempted to sin, and when we fail, may we be quick to turn to you. Amen.
Question of the day: How do you respond when you are confronted with your sin?
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