READ 2 SAMUEL 24:1-17
When David saw the Angel, he said to the Lord, “I am the one who has sinned and done wrong!” (V.17)
By the time Ron and I reached the 12th floor, the hallway had filled up with acrid smoke. In response to the fire alarm, people were slowly beginning to appear in the hallway. Choking and coughing they made their way toward the emergency exit stairways. Just as we arrived at the apartment, from which a heavy volume of smoke was pouring, the door flew open and the occupants staggered out into the hallway. They said the cause of the smoke was a smoldering mattress in one of their bedrooms. We directed them to the stairway and safety. Once we confirmed all of the other apartments were empty and the residents had exited the floor, it was time for us to leave—wrong!
The fire department was pulling into the driveway of the building when we entered the apartment with the smoldering mattress and began opening windows for ventilation. For some unknown reason which escapes rational thought, I grabbed the smoldering mattress from the bed and made my way to the balcony where I heaved it over the side of the railing. In my convoluted way of thinking, I had eliminated the smoke danger that would be a threat to others on higher floors. When all was said and done, there was only one case of smoke inhalation—me!! Good intention—very poor choice!
Census taking in ancient Israel was used to count and draft able-bodied men into the army during times of war. David, who more often than not displayed the utmost faith and trust in God, had just survived a costly rebellion led by his son Absalom. Despite the peace and calm that had settled over Israel, David apparently felt he needed a large army to show the world he was still the King and had the power to defeat any external or internal enemies. This show of force might have seemed to make prudent political sense but was a poor choice for the leader of a nation whose very existence depended upon full faith and trust in God. In essence, he let self-dependence and pride triumph over reliance on God’s proven mercy and protection.
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
How often have we tried to resolve our smoldering problems through self-reliance rather than looking to God for direction and help? Doing it yourself places you at risk to inhale toxic smoke—life sustaining air from God is a lot better!
Dear God, I am a proud and sinful person. Help me shed my attitude of “rugged individualism” and learn to place my life in your leading and merciful hands.