Read 1 Chronicles 21:1-17
Many different characters in today’s reading were affected by Satan’s sly move to divert David’s attention away from God’s will. David was tempted and later repented. Joab was troubled because he knew what he was doing was wrong. Gad brought God’s message of punishment. And thousands of people lost their lives in the plague.
Satan was successful despite David being devoted to God. David’s lapse in judgment was Satan’s opening to bring even more destruction and despair. No wonder we see God’s fury unleashed.
I can’t imagine how David lived with himself knowing his blunder ended so many innocent lives. I know I’ve messed up plenty of times in my life, and the remorse is real. Thankfully, God’s forgiveness and everlasting love is also real. Even David recognized God’s great mercy.
I don’t know whether to be troubled or affirmed by how this chapter begins. “Satan rose up against Israel and caused David to take a census of the people of Israel.” I suppose this line is the Biblical support for the phrase we often spout out in our defense, “the devil made me do it!” Why didn’t David listen to the wise counsel of his commander, Joab?
Joab was mortified he had to take this census. How did he know it was Satan’s plan and not God’s? There’s a passage in Exodus 30:12 that speaks of taking a census. “Whenever you take a census of the people of Israel, each man who is counted must pay a ransom for himself to the Lord. Then no plague will strike the people as you count them.” David’s census did not comply with this. More importantly, David had not received God’s command to take the census in the first place. David’s motivation appears to be for selfish gain.
How do you combat Satan’s temptations in your life? Satan is just one of our stumbling blocks toward sin. Don’t forget our own sinful nature and selfish desires come into play as well as the temptations of the world. It’s up to us to discern the truth. The only source of truth I’m aware of is the Bible. Whenever I question something, I turn to Scripture for guidance.
When it comes to temptations, I always rely on what Paul told the Corinthians. “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) Keep that verse close by and claim it whenever you are feeling tempted away from God’s will for your life.
Let’s pray. Lord, your grace and love astound me. I am a sinful being doing my best to be faithful to you. Forgive all my blunders and attempts to do the right thing when they are not part of your plan for me. I am grateful for the patience you have with me. Help me not be distracted by the pressures of the world. Instead, use me to make a difference by pointing people toward you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
