There is a price to pay when we disobey

1 Chronicles 21

David was a man after God’s own heart, yet he allowed the devil to use him to do something abominable to God. It might have seemed like a simple thing to David then and even to us, but God understands the true motive of the heart and when we mess up, He will punish us for our sins.  Our confessions will not save us from punishment because it is not enough.  When we suffer the consequence for our transgressions, it serves as a warning to us and each time we try to fall out of line, that small voice will remind us of the penalty that was meted out the last time. Have you ever been disciplined by your parent for wrongdoing?  Do you remember how much it hurts and the way it served as a constant reminder and a deterrent for all future infringements? This is how God works.  He wants to clean us from all imperfections so that we can model His character in our lives each day. 

David was at the height of his kingship, and one would think that since he had proved God’s faithfulness in his life over the years, he had a good understanding of what is pleasing to God. However, he probably felt bored, like most professionals do. They become tired of the routine because they don’t feel fulfilled anymore.  They often thrive on doing different things that will inspire them to feel good about themselves and take their accomplishment to the next level.  There is nothing wrong with that unless it is something unethical, then it would be so wrong.  David wanted to number his army and to him, that might have been a simple thing, but God cautioned him against it.  I believe He was saying to David do not depend on numbers, trust me.  I’m the one who has been fighting for you.  I delivered Goliath into your hands and gave you the wisdom and discernment to destroy him.  I protected you from Saul’s attempts on your life many times and gave you the wisdom to evade him.  I delivered Saul into your hands many times to test you and you passed the test. I know your heart and your reason for this.

 Your servant Joab, whose heart is not perfect yet, found your request abominable and tried to talk you out of it but you insisted and because you’re the king, he unwillingly complied.  Now speak for yourself.  David acknowledged he had sinned. However, he is still trying to pass it off as a little thing.  In verse 8, he said I have done foolishly”. Sometimes the things that we do and consider little in God’s eyes are major and to Him and the punishment will be severe.  God send His prophet to him.  David had a Seer and all he had to do was to go to him and ask him to find out from God if he would allow him to number the people, but he took matters into his hands, just like some of us.

  How many times has God asked you not to do something, yet you stubbornly disobeyed and expected to be let off the hook? There is always a price to pay when we disobey. God send three judgments to David for him to pick one of them because He would not let him risk his soul by being tempted to do something worse.  Do you remember a time when your parents disciplined you for something you considered a small matter, such as lying? You tried to wiggle your way out of being punished, but it happened anyway. They were trying to stomp it out before it took root for bigger things.  Thank them for it.  Things were not looking good for David because none of the choices were good.  1 Chronicle 21: 10-14. David exercised his wisdom and chose God’s punishment above the rest because of his mercies to us.  He knows he would not chide forever and although he bruises, he will heal. Hosea 6:1. Man’s judgment is destructive, while God’s judgement is restorative.

I’m sure David learned a valuable lesson that day not to underestimate the power of God to be God.  He loves us but He will chasten us  Hebrews 12: 6-11 when we step out of line.  He loves us too much to watch us lose ourselves to the devil, who is seizing the opportunity to sink us into that perpetual darkness from where there is no hope.  Are you being disciplined today by God because of your wrongdoing? Be patient under His hand because He wants you to spend eternity with Him.  Look at the punishment as God’s love that will bring completion to the work He has started in your life.  Praise God! Amen! Thank you, Jesus!