APRIL 22, 2 Samuel 24:1-2, 8-14

A census is an official headcount of people in a country. Here David decided to have a headcount of the fighting men. Perhaps he wanted information about the military might of Israel. Perhaps he was lifted up with pride. From God’s perspective, it was evil. Israel had been ruled by a theocracy governed by God. It was He who led them, won their battles over their enemies, and eventually endowed them with prestige and power in their land of plenty. Now, David was counting his men, in a way leaders of the other nations around them would.

After Joab gave the census to David, David was convicted of his sin in doing the census. He quickly confessed his sin and asked the Lord to remove his iniquity. The Lord sent the fearless prophet Gad to David to reveal to him the message from the Lord. He was asked to choose one of three options as punishment – seven years of famine, three months of attack by the enemies, or three days of pestilence. David cast himself upon the mercy of God and chose the 3 days of pestilence. As a result, 70,000 people died. Sin is always grave and demands a heavy price. Don’t treat sin lightly.

Match the consequences of sin for these people.

Thought: May I not fool around with sin.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, cleanse me and keep me from sin and temptation. Help me to realise that sin is not fun and that I would be a fool to fool around with sin. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.