Scripture:
2 Samuel 24:10-14 ESV
[10] 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.” [11] And when David arose in the morning, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying, [12] “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.’” [13] 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.” [14] 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.”
Observation:
David had taken a census to find out how many people he was ruling over. At the beginning of this chapter. The very first verse says that the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people. So HE enticed David to number them. But when he did it was considered a sin. I started to wonder…but why…why is counting people a sin? I’m still not sure I understand. However, I think the word enticed that was used in the first verse might help explain it. I could see David standing on his rooftop looking out over the kingdom thinking…look at all the people…we probably should take note that the census was not something that the LORD told David to do. It’s something that David decided to do. So let’s go back to the rooftop. We know David liked to hang out there. That’s where he was the last time he found himself in trouble. Looking at the people I could see him thinking wow this has truly grown into a great nation. They have been kept safe…we have won so many wars, and just think about it. A short time ago the rest of Goliath’s family was wiped out. Another job well done. Maybe I should know exactly how many people I oversee. Hey Joab…go count the people. But my king are you sure you want to do that? What if GOD brings an increase as we are counting? We will never get it done. Nonetheless, David’s word stood, and the count was performed. There is still the…what made this a sin? To be completely honest. In still not sure but I’m willing to take a stab at it and say let’s back up all the way to Abraham. Was GOD’s promise to him that the nation that would come from him would be able to be counted? Or would it outnumber the sand on the seashore? GOD was not done adding to the numbers, and I believe David got a little prideful looking out over the numbers. The count had to do with what David had done. Not what the LORD had built. GOD had been building a great nation by the hand of David. But David at that moment might have been thinking…look at me. The cost was great. And the call was up to David, and the point was made. Ok DAVID if you are so great a man make this decision. Starvation fear or pestilence. Whatever you choose the number must decrease. How quickly the king was reminded who was in control and whose hand brought the increase? It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living GOD, and at this point, David saw that. His comment brought him back to reality. Let the LORD decide. I can’t do it.
Application:
When things are going well it’s easy to look at how far we have come and think…look what I have done. I know this from experience. Pride is very dangerous. We always have to keep in mind who is really bringing the increase. GOD wants to do something that will blow your mind. Something you can’t put a number on. Something so big the whole world can not contain it. My question is who will we attribute it to? Will we look at ourselves and say wow look what is happening because of me. Or will all the glory go to the one who made heaven and earth? We can not afford to be confused about this. GOD will use us but nothing happens because of us. Now let me tell you a story. About 10 years ago I was preaching. At a little church in Asher Oklahoma. When I started there the congregation was 3 strong. The pastor his wife and their daughter. After a very short time, GOD had brought an increase in the number it went from 3 to 15 to 20 and was climbing. I started to get a look at me attitude, and when the mother of my daughter got sick I was not ready for that. The Dr said there was nothing they could do. We asked for healing and…nothing. So I began to get a little angry thinking…after all I do for you GOD…this is what I get? My pride was out of control already, and it took a hard slap to the face to realize it. Shortly after that, I removed myself from preaching GOD’s word due to a relapse back to meth and addiction. I tell everyone that story for a reason. It’s easy to think look what I have done, and forget who really does the work. Sure he can use your hands, but he can also use a donkey, so let’s make sure the glory is all HIS. We are but vessels that contain the treasure that is Christ Jesus. Let’s let HIS light shine so that others may take notice and allow them to praise the work HE does through you. Listen I want more than anything for GOD to use me. It’s my heart’s desire. But the glory is not mine. I don’t want it. So please don’t ever look at me as though I have done something. The truth is it’s all HIM I may water a plant I may even plant the seed. But my father brings the increase.
Prayer:
Father, help us to get out of your way. Your plan is so much bigger than us. We are but a small part. You promised Abraham a nation so great it could not be numbered. However, he was only given 2 sons, and one of those from a slave. He never got to see it. He never got to look out over a group of people and say look. But your promises are yes and amen you did not forget about what you said and you brought the increase just because he didn’t get to see it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. You know our hearts, and you know how dangerous pride is. We want to be used by you, and we know you will use us. Because we are willing. We also know that your glory is yours. I never want to experience the shame of trying to take credit for what you have done again. I know I am not smart enough to be where you have me. I am however grateful that you have me there, and pray that you continue to use me none of our lives are about us. It’s all about you and your plan, and your plan will happen with or without us. Let us just be willing vessels.in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen