Once upon a time, there was a king—a mighty, victorious king named David. But King David started wondering about the next battle.
Would he have enough soldiers? Would he have enough swords? Would he be safe?
So instead of trusting God to save him no matter what, he needed to see the numbers to sleep better at night. He ordered a census of all fighting men.
Did this lack of confidence in God make God happy? Most certainly not! And did this make the king happy? Most certainly not!
He admitted, “I have sinned badly. Lord, forgive me for doing this very foolish thing.”
So God laid out 3 options for punishment. Which should the king choose? Option #1: 3 years of famine? Option #2: 3 months of running from enemies?, or Option #3: 3 days of plague?
The king was in great distress. “I’d rather fall into the hands of the LORD, whose mercy is great, than fall into the hands of men,” so he chose #3.
The Lord did indeed send a plague on the land, but in response to David’s plea for mercy, the plague was stopped.
The king, once again, was saved only by the Lord’s mercy.
Question:
What about me? Am I only at peace when my circumstances are under control—steady job, cancer-free, reliable car, healthy relationships? Am I happy only if I’m living the American dream?
Answer:
* My strong confidence is in the fear of the LORD. Proverbs 14:26
* I succeed not by might nor by power, but by the Lord’s Spirit. Zechariah 4:6
* No weapon formed against me will succeed. The LORD defends his servant and gives me victory. Isaiah 54:17
* The Lord’s grace is all I need; his power is strongest in my weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9
* Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but I trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7
Moral:
There is only one safe place—in the Lord’s hands.
--from Wednesday's class, Nov. 7
Would he have enough soldiers? Would he have enough swords? Would he be safe?
So instead of trusting God to save him no matter what, he needed to see the numbers to sleep better at night. He ordered a census of all fighting men.
Did this lack of confidence in God make God happy? Most certainly not! And did this make the king happy? Most certainly not!
He admitted, “I have sinned badly. Lord, forgive me for doing this very foolish thing.”
So God laid out 3 options for punishment. Which should the king choose? Option #1: 3 years of famine? Option #2: 3 months of running from enemies?, or Option #3: 3 days of plague?
The king was in great distress. “I’d rather fall into the hands of the LORD, whose mercy is great, than fall into the hands of men,” so he chose #3.
The Lord did indeed send a plague on the land, but in response to David’s plea for mercy, the plague was stopped.
The king, once again, was saved only by the Lord’s mercy.
Question:
What about me? Am I only at peace when my circumstances are under control—steady job, cancer-free, reliable car, healthy relationships? Am I happy only if I’m living the American dream?
Answer:
* My strong confidence is in the fear of the LORD. Proverbs 14:26
* I succeed not by might nor by power, but by the Lord’s Spirit. Zechariah 4:6
* No weapon formed against me will succeed. The LORD defends his servant and gives me victory. Isaiah 54:17
* The Lord’s grace is all I need; his power is strongest in my weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9
* Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but I trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7
Moral:
There is only one safe place—in the Lord’s hands.
--from Wednesday's class, Nov. 7
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