September 11, 2023
What does it say?
David ordered a census so that the fighting men of Israel could be counted. God looked on this as sin, and the nation paid a terrible price for David’s decision.
What does it mean?
David’s command to complete the census brought specific and severe punishment from God. But why was this act so offensive? The ordering of the census was a blatant act of pride. The king had previously relied on God to bring victory in battle, but David’s numbering of only the soldiers showed that he was focused on the nation’s military might instead. In hindsight, David recognized his sin and chose the one punishment that would affect not just the people but him as well.
How should I respond?
Pride can motivate us to do things we normally would not do. At its foundation is the attitude that we do not need God. When we embrace this idea, we choose to rely on ourselves rather than on Him. God desires that we spend each day in a trusting relationship with Him. In what areas of your life are you choosing to rely on yourself rather than on God? Ask God to give you a humble heart and show you where pride has become your motivator. Then, with His help, replace the sin of pride with reliance on the One who is focused on your every need. Trust in Him removes the need to count on your own strengths.