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102Sa024.mp3
Commentary
2 Samuel 24
When we know the power of our own strength, where is the wholeness of faith, to depend solely upon the Lord for His strength? To number the People, especially and specifically the valiant men, is to think of self in value, or worth. This thing, in and of itself, is not a bad thing. However, the People have had problems with this before. They thought that it was by their own strength that they have accomplished what they had. When David counted the valiant men, God was displeased (to put it mildly), and He put forth a plague, to smite the People. This was the choice that David made, because he was still thinking carnally. David did not want to be smitten by the hand of man, but instead by the hand of God.
The result would include that David no longer had an accurate count of his fighting forces, and that he was freshly reminded that it is not of our strength that we are brought to greatness, but of the Lord only. Not of our own good that we deserve victory, but by the grace and mercy of God.
I don't want to discredit David. Notice that he did immediately recognize his folly, and acknowledged it. He did not rationalize it, nor did he try to justify it. He willingly admitted it and chose his punishment. This is the heart of repentance that God looks upon for us. He promised to be merciful and just. His mercy will not depart from us, nor will His justice. When we are forgiven, it is not finished. We must still be accountable, and accept consequence. There are cases where God will go easy on us, especially when we are sincerely sorry for our wrong. The consequence can be made less severe, and more edifying. We need only to give God our all.
Saturday, November 6, 2010 - 12:00 PM
