The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21-22, Psalm 30
Act 2: God’s Covenant People
Scene 5: Kings and Prophets: God shapes a kingdom people
Background Information: 2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21-22, Psalm 30
The Last 4 chapters of 2 Samuel is a concise summary of 1 and 2 Samuel, with a focus on the failures of Israel’s first two kings. We also see the difference between Saul and David highlighted once again. When David becomes aware of his sin, he immediately repents. He also shows his heart when he intercedes on behalf of his people, asking that his own family receives the judgment in their place. Saul did not repent, but instead hardened his heart.
Take notice that in 2 Samuel, God is said to have incited David to count his army. In 1 Chronicles it is said that Satan was behind David’s decision. This is a picture of God’s sovereignty in using the choices of created beings (humans, Satan) for his ultimate purposes.
We don’t know for sure why David’s counting of his troops was a sinful act. It could be that it was tied to his heart attitude. Perhaps it was an act of fear (not faith) or pride (not gratitude). The army did not belong to David, it belonged to God. In Exodus 30 God told Moses that when he took a census of the people, they were to pay a monetary ransom for their lives. This ransom was said to keep them from dying of a plague, the very thing that killed many of David’s army. David counted the troops without acknowledging that they belonged to God and without having them pay the ransom for their lives. David knew that he had sinned and begged God to take away his guilt. Over and over, we see how the Old Testament narrative is driving us towards the Lord Jesus. He paid the final ransom for our sins. What a relief, what peace to know that we have peace with God through the Lord Jesus. We don’t have to live in terrible fear and doubt.
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Ask God to reveal himself to refugees living in Wichita. Pray that these people making new homes in the states would find their rest in Christ.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.