Preparation: A Study in 1 ChroniclesSample

What does it say?

King David was disobedient in numbering Israel’s people, but God’s merciful judgment restored and renewed his fellowship with the Lord.

What does it mean?

Prompted by Satan, David persisted against wise counsel in numbering the people of Israel. Assessing his military strength indicated David was relying on human resources rather than on the Lord. David confessed his sin, chose to receive God’s direct divine judgment, and experienced mercy. Leaders of the nation joined David in interceding for the people. The Lord was merciful in judgment, but the nation suffered grave consequences for David’s sin.

How should I respond?

As a follower of Christ, God asks you to look to Him and trust Him with every aspect of your life. Yet our tendency is to control and secure our own lives. It’s the “glad you’re in my life, Lord; I’ll let you know if I need you” mentality. Self-sufficiency replaces reliance on God, and we miss the wonder of seeing God work as well as the experience of the sufficiency of Christ. In what areas of life are you doing your own thing rather than seeking God’s direction? It’s time to take responsibility for the sin of independence from God. Will you confess and ask for God’s mercy today?