Foundations Week 18, Day 2

Scripture Read: 2 Samuel 24; Psalm 24
Title: The Consequence of David's Sin
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H.E.A.R. Entry
(H) Highlight verse:  "Behold I have sinned, and I have done wickedly.  But these sheep, what have they done?  Please let your hand be against me and against my father's house."  2 Samuel 24:17

(E) Explain:  During the time of peace for Israel, King David commanded his commander of the army to go and number the Israel and Judah.  This was something that made the LORD angry because it was a prideful thing that David was doing.  He wanted to know the number of his people, however this were not his people, they were God's people.  In 2 Samuel we see God incited David to take the censu, but in 1 Chronicles 21 we read that Satan incited David.  This seems to be a contradiction, but it is an unneccessary one since the outcome is the same.  David's motive in numbering the people was sinful because it was a prideful act. 
David's heart was heavy as he realized his sin.  He responded in repentance and God forgave him.  But as as with all sin there are consequences and unfortunately the consequences of his sin not only affected him, but the whole nation of Israel.  A great pestilence came as a result and killed 70,000 people. 

(A) Application:  God is a forgiving God, and I am so thankful for that.  I sin on a daily basis and God extends his hand of mercy upon me when I repent and seek forgiveness.  However, with sin I know there are consequences.  Often we take for granted God's forgiveness and mercy.  We sin and expect God to forgive (and He does) but we complain and question God's loving-kindness when we face the consequences of our sin.  I think we forget about this.  We focus on God's grace and mercy but often overlook his discipline and correction.   We would all be better off if we realized that our individual sins not only affect us individually, but sin affects others around us.  Davd's sin affected the whole nation of Israel and our individual sins affect others around us, usually those we love most.  God is a loving and merciful God, but He is also a God who corrects and disciplines.  May we be mindful of this the next time we are faced with the temptation of sin.

(R) Respond: LORD, help me to be mindful of the consequences of sin in my life.  They not only affect me, but they affect those around me.