Thoughts for another day

July 24, 2006

Today's verse: 2 Sam 24:17a. And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly. (KJV).

David was a great king. One who had an illustrous career in the battlefield and someone who sparked the sense of fear in the minds of kings around. His grandeur was of the highest class and his confidence alone would deter his enemies from moving against his kingdom. But David was also a man and he had the weaknesses of men. We know his misdeeds with Bathsheba and how God punished him. But somehow we skip the incident of David’s taking the census where God’s punishment was greater in that 70,000 men perished.

The sin was that of being self sufficient. Remember, David’s sufficiency was God. In taking the census, David reflected the sentiment that He did not need God but needed men to do his battles. And God was angry. He punished David with the punishment David chose and when David saw the angel of the LORD, the creator of the calamity, he showed his concern for his people when he mouthed the above verse, acknowedging his sin. Such was the nature of David that he did not avoid reprisal from God but confessed his sin and asked for punishment.

My friend, God is a just God and He loves us people when we stand up to our faults and expect to be punished by Him. Remember that retribution for our wrongs will be rendered only by God and no one can save you from it. No one, except Himself. So throw yourself at His feet and tell Him today: Lord I am a sinner and have offended your infinite goodness. Pardon me my Father!