June 23, Day 30

1 Chronicles 9:17 - 1 Chronicles 23

Today we move from reading about names to understanding about individuals. We've already read a little bit about Saul, David and the other kings from our study of First and Second Kings. Now we reconfirm what we know and learn a little new stuff as well.

The part I found interesting was in Chapter 21 we see David taking account of the numbers of fighting men he has around him. Verse 1 records, "Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel." I began wondering, why would taking a census be attributed to Satan, rather than just a good practice of leadership? I read and re-read this verse and then backed up to read this in context and the paragraphs preceding it are titled in my Bible as "War with the Philistines." So I found myself wondering.... could it be that David took a census out of fear?

Back up with me to how David even became chosen as king. Samuel had already anointed him, but after his defeat of Goliath, the people started realizing his gifting. God had already shown David from his early days of being a shepherd that as long as God was fighting with Him, no strength of the enemy could hold them back. Yet, here we now see David taking a defensive posture and counting the size of his army versus the size of the opponent.

Reading on in 1 Chron 21:3 we see Joab trying to talk David out of it, but David pushed ahead. And then finally in verse 6 we read that God chose to punish Israel because David's command was evil in the sight of God. Why was it evil? Ultimately, it comes back to pride. Can I win on my own? Who needs God if my army is stronger, bigger, faster, better looking, etc...

Identify with me today, where are you trying to count your army rather than relying on God for your strength. I know for one, I'm trying to do too much on my own without asking God for his strength and provision. Whether it be daily devotions with my kids or making decisions at work, either way, I ask God once and believe that is enough. Rather than continually trusting that He will provide.

I take my warning from 1 Chronicles 21:14... even after David had repented, God still enacted judgement on Israel. 70,000 men died in a plague because of David's pride. When I count for the purposes of proving my strength, God may choose to remove this source of strength to help me depend on Him anew. Please pray for me today, that I learn to rely on Him and not my own "numbers" for strength.