Today we read how David, tempted by Satan, decides to take a census of Israel. In other words, he wants to know JUST HOW STRONG his nation of rule is. But this was a sin. Even Joab, captain of his host, knew this was a sin and he told David so.
"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 Chron 21:3)
But David persisted. Patriarchs and Prophets states: "It was pride and ambition that prompted this action of the king... This would tend still further to foster the already too great self-confidence of both king and people... the prosperity of Israel under David had been due to the blessing of God rather than the ability of her king or the strength of her armies." (p. 747)
As a result of David's sin... God sent a great pestilence against Israel, killing over 70,000 men. Wow! This was a serious offense to God...
I think we often make the same mistake today. We feel God is calling us to some task, and instead of recognizing the unlimited resources and strength that God offers us in Himself, we think: "Well, let me do some calculation. Is my army strong enough for the task? Do I have enough resources to expend for this endeavor? Am I big enough to take on this operation?" We forget that it is God that supplies unlimited strength and it is He alone that will give us victory and success.
I'm thinking this morning of one of my favorite quotes:
All who consecrate soul, body, and spirit to God will be constantly receiving a new endowment of physical and mental power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command. Christ gives them the breath of His own spirit, the life of His own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth its highest energies to work in heart and mind. The grace of God enlarges and multiplies their faculties, and every perfection of the divine nature comes to their assistance in the work of saving souls. Through co-operation with Christ they are complete in Him, and in their human weakness they are enabled to do the deeds of Omnipotence. (Desire of Ages, p. 827)
Instead of looking at our limited strength or resources, let's keep our eyes on our King who offers us the inexhaustible supplies of heaven.
Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Chron. 22-23 and Gal. 2
Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Chron. 22-23 and Gal. 2
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