“And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.
And David said to Jo’ab and to the rulers of the people, Go number Israel from Beershe’ba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.
And Jo’ab answered, The Lord make His people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? Why then doth my lord require this thing? Why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?
Nevertheless, the king’s word prevailed against Jo’ab Wherefore Jo’ab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.
And Jo’ab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David. And all they of Israel were a thousand thousand and an hundred thousand men that drew sword: and Judah was four hundred threescore and ten thousand men that drew sword.
But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the king’s word was abominable to Jo’ab. And God was displeased with this thing: therefore He smote Israel.
And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant: for I have done foolishly.” I Chronicles 21:1-8
Our weekly Christian devotional
“I can’t believe it! Fifteen people ‘liked’ my devotional!” I wiggle with joy at my desk. For so long, if my silly little devotionals even got two measly ‘likes’ I considered myself a lucky gal.
John cranes his neck to see my computer screen and then pats my back. Of course I notice that he doesn’t bother with uttering a single celebratory word…
“Boy, was I really looking forward to that ‘word’… Oh well. So much for my ‘special’ moment…”
Whenever one invests their blood, sweat and tears into a project, a little encouragement is always appreciated.
This need for approval is an extremely natural human instinct. But, just because this comes naturally or easily, doesn’t mean that it’s good for us—or even God’s will.
In 1 Chronicles 21:1-8 we are reminded of the importance of humility. God blessed the great King David with a mighty army. But, King David was beginning to show signs of pride in this blessing from God.
Counting the greatness of his army wasn’t necessarily a ‘sin’ in itself; but because God judges the intentions of our heart, He saw the reason for David’s census. And God didn’t seem too pleased that David was beginning to count God’s blessing with an arrogant and prideful heart.
It’s important to remember that even (and especially) when you are doing something for the Kingdom of God; to guard yourself against the spirit of: “I’m so amazing!”
Why most of us feel the need to take the credit for God’s blessings in our lives behooves me every time I think about it. Unfortunately, that perplexing thought never seems to stop me from falling in that same familiar pit…over and over…and over again! That’s the irony of knowing your own ignorance and yet…being ignorant anyway.
Do you want to truly have God’s power working in your life? Then pray for an extra measure of humility. It’s an attribute that will receive accolades of the highest kind—from God Himself.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive me! I have taken much pride in things that I had very little to do with.
You have blessed me with certain talents, special abilities and favor to use them. How dare I take credit for it—as if I was the great factor that brought these blessings upon myself.
Lord, you chose to bless me and I selfishly chose to honor myself. I bow my head in repentance. Forgive my foolish heart.
Show me the roots of these prideful and arrogant thoughts and help me deal with them. I don’t want to brush over this sin and accept it as acceptable anymore.
This is a serious offence to a God who has been more than good to me.
Lord, show me how I can honor you with all that I do. Give me a heart that sees myself with sober vision. Help me not to buy into the hype that others may try to feed me.
I only need your approval. If I need the approval of anyone else, it means I am selling out.
Lord, bless me with a humble heart. Please give me a tender conscience for when I start falling back into one of my favorite sins— the sin of pride.
In Jesus’ precious name, I lift your name above everything I do—even and especially the things I do for you. Amen.”
Thank you for reading our weekly Christian devotional on verses: I Chronicles 21:1-8
Please check back and see what we have for you next week!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan