Reading
SAA Notes
The sin was not in the census – Moses was told to take censuses. The sin was in placing his pride and trust on his growing power and military might. “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 4:6 The place where mercy stayed the judgment of God was the future site for the altar!
SJA Notes
“I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing.”
How clearly David understands the importance of worship! The gravity with which we are to take our Lord God!
“But the king’s word prevailed against Joab and the commanders of the army.”
How broken is David’s pride; in his might, his army, his victories.
There are two starkly different David’s here. The stubborn sinner whose pride will not let him be swayed by wisdom. And the repentant disciple who throws himself at the feet of the Almighty.
We can learn from David here. Because my own heart is full of pride at times, and at times I am broken before the Lord at my own folly.
This passage can help us look forward, in a little way, to meeting with our brother David in glory.
Covered and washed and clean in Jesus, without our pride that threatens to overwhelm us at times.
How good will that be! To gather with the multitudes of God’s people from age to age, brothers and sisters, to sing praises before the Lamb, before the throne of God!
* Dear Lord,
We see in today’s passage again the foolishness of trusting in humanity, whether our own or someone else’s.
We are broken. You are not.
You are holy, we are in need of salvation and of Your ongoing work in us, guiding and prompting and exhorting us onwards to glory.
Lord please help us today to honour You with our lips, our deeds, our thoughts.
Please write Your word on our hearts.
May we hold Your Name holy today.
Amen.