Read 1 Chronicles 21
Highlights:
David’s sin in taking a military census; his preparation for building the Temple and instructions to Solomon; duties of the Levites
And Joab answered, The LORD make His people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel? (1 Chr. 21:3).
David was going to take a census of the people in Israel. The devil had drawn him into doing this. It must have been against God's will for David to take this census. Even so, he brought the leaders together to command them to do so. It is the work of the enemy to entice us to sin.
Just as in yesterday's devotion, we look to words spoken by Joab, an advisor to David and a captain of Israel's army. Joab was trying to be a voice of reason to David. He wanted to talk him out of taking the census. He knew that taking the census would be bringing sin upon the nation of Israel.
Again, Joab's advice proves to be of value not only to the recipient, if used, but we, today, could utilize it as well. Joab first questioned the reasoning behind the decision that was made. Then he offered a gentle rebuke explaining the extent that this sin would stretch, which would be to all Israel.
As mentioned before, we find Joab's words helpful again today as a model for us to use. David did not listen to the warning of this friend. He went ahead with his actions and commanded the census be taken. God brought a penalty of sin upon the nation just as Joab had warned. David chose to go his own way and Israel would pay the price. If only, David would have needed the rebuke then he could have followed the example of Jesus.I can of Mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and My judgment is just; because I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me (John 5:30).
The lesson to be learned here is to listen when God sends us a warning through a godly believer. We should also do this for our brothers and sisters. If we see them about to fall into sin's trap, we need to offer up a word of guidance to try to steer them back to Christ. In all situations, be obedient to the Holy Spirit.
Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (2 Tim. 4:2).
Thought for Today:
Knowing God’s Word keeps us from falling for Satan’s deceptions.
Christ Revealed:
Through the altar David built to sacrifice unto the Lord so that Israel might be restored to a right relationship with God (1 Chr. 21:18,26). Only through Christ can we be restored to a right relationship with God. We are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Rom. 3:24).
Word Studies:
21:13 a great strait, deep distress; 21:15 repented Him of the evil, felt compassion due to man's repentance and intercession; 22:3 without weight, beyond calculation; 23:1 old and full of days, reached old age; 23:6 courses, divisions or groups; 23:11 in one reckoning, counted together; 23:24 by their polls, individually, by census, head counts.
Prayer Suggestion: Sing praises to the Lord (Ex. 15:1-19).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 5
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:29