In 1 Chronicles 21, after Yahweh had given David victories over many of his enemies, David decided to do a census of military eligible men in the kingdom. It seemed innocuous, yet even Joab the warrior and commander of the military protested (vv. 3-4). When the census was completed, David realized his guilt and repented. He had sought security and comfort in the size of his army rather than the size of his God. When David repented, God forgave him but would not speak to him directly. He chose to speak through Gad the prophet. The prophet told David he had three choices: three years of famine, three months of running from his enemies, or three days of pestilence. David chose the pestilence. After 70,000 deaths, God was merciful and relented. It is a story that reminds us of three things.
First, sin can be forgiven, but consequences are inevitable and often hurt the innocent. Seek the Lord to make the best decisions.
Second, every follower of Jesus, especially those who are spiritual leaders, should be people of prayer, faith, and obedience. Our strength, hope, and security are not based on the expanse of our resources, but rather the size and character of our God.
Third, giving, particularly sacrificial giving, is an act of worship, submission, and faith. Look at verse twenty-four. God commanded David to build an altar on Araunah’s land. David approached Araunah and offered to buy the land. Araunah offered to give him the land, the materials to build the altar and the oxen to sacrifice. It was a noble gesture, but David refused. His reason? His words to Araunah were, “I will not offer anything that cost me nothing.” That is why it is called a sacrifice!
In fifty-two years as a Christian and 48 years in vocational ministry, I have sacrificed truly little for the kingdom of God. I have given money, time, energy, and effort. Yet, for most of my life I have been comfortable. As I look back over my life and see how God has blessed, protected, and provided for me, I am awed of His work. But when I am honest in my evaluation of myself, I must confess that times of sacrifice have cost me little. It is a shame and dishonors God! What to do? Repent of selfishness and self-protective attitudes and live out a faith that trusts God even when the cost of doing so is gre
