Sin always comes with a cost…it divides, destroys, & sometimes ends in death. These things are expected when we let sin reign, but here’s the thing that’s unexpected:
The people who die as a result of sin are not always the sinners.
I read today of a time when King David’s sin brings death to many in his nation. We’re not told why, but the anger of the Lord burns against Israel, & He allows Satan to tempt David to demand a census be taken
Satan is the active mover of David to sin, while God only withdraws His supporting grace, allowing the enemy to prevail against the king. Our holy God is not the author of sin. Sin is a result of our rejection of Him.
So, what’s the big deal with a census? It’s a subtle expression of pride. David writes countless Psalms about trusting the Lord, but here he seeks to determine the strength of his army.
After David learns he has over a million warriors, his conscience begins to bother him. He finally confesses his sin & the result is a plague that sweeps through the nation, wiping out 70,000 people in 3 days!
A prophet tells David to build an altar to the Lord at the threshing floor of Araunah. Araunah freely offers his oxen, yokes & wood for the sacrifice, but David’s reply stopped me in my tracks:
He says, “ I will not present burnt offerings to the Lord my God that have cost me nothing.“
We have a sacrificial Savior Who gave HIS life to cover OUR sin. AND here’s the thing…once we accept him as Savior & allow Lordship, life this side of heaven becomes a continued death of our will & way.
There were be many people in our lives whose sin provides perfect opportunity for us to die. Sometimes THEIR sin provides a pivotal place that costs US something. Our flesh may want to angrily rise & retaliate, but instead we can offer a sacrifice that costs us something. We can praise & thank Jesus for what He’s done, & willingly declare, “Have Your way with me!”
Jesus, you embraced death for our lives! May we allow other’s sin that impacts us, become a catapult for praise, allowing it to defeat our flesh reactions even unto death! Jesus you ARE The Way! Lead us to death of self so that Your resurrected life might reign!
2 SAMUEL 23:24-24:25
ACTS 3:1-26
PSALM 123:1-4
PROVERBS 16:21-23
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