Going By the Numbers
Today’s scripture selection: First Chronicles 20-24
Key verse: First Chronicles 21:1
“Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.”
You never know that the Devil is up to.
Here in one account of King David’s exploits we have a very interesting example of that.
David decided one day to count the people under his rule.
Well, what’s wrong with that? Isn’t it only prudent for a ruler to know who it is he or she is ruling? I suppose so, as far as that goes. But remember – the Bible is all about spiritual lessons – not just political ones. So, what’s happening?
Satan is the culprit. He plants this idea of counting the people in David’s mind. Why? Because it lures David into doing something of which we might all be guilty.
David is “going by the numbers”. In other words, he is counting on his strength, fueled by his pride in his recent wartime victories.
On a much smaller scale, can’t we all realize why this is one of Satan’s ploys to draw us away from God. The adversary wants us to count on
- Our strength
- Our wealth
- Our wisdom
- Our cleverness
- Our power
This of course is the exact opposite of faithfully counting on God’s strength, wealth, wisdom, cleverness and power.
It’s a lesson in choice: to choose and rely on God or to solely choose and rely on ourselves.
I don’t know about you – but I’d pick God anytime.
Prayer: Almighty God, keep me from relying on myself instead of you. AMEN.
