2 Samuel 24:10
David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.”
Do you remember the story of Gideon, whom God raised up to deliver Israel from the hand of a mighty army of Midianites and Amalekites? God called Gideon to lead Israel into battle against this mighty army. He could only muster 32,000 men.
What could so few do against so many? But God is not, nor has He ever been interested in numbers. He had Gideon whittle the number down to only 300 men of Israel to defeat that mighty army. Why did God want only a few? The answer is that He did not want Israel to think they were the ones who won the battle.
As a young man David had confronted Goliath with only a sling and five smooth stones. It only took one of those stones to drop the giant! When we follow close to the Lord and rely on His strength, we will see our own giants fall.
So why are numbers so important to so many? Why do we exert so much effort to achieve numerical gain? Pride! Do you want to know a secret? Our desire to be bigger or better than others is repulsive to the Lord.
In today’s Scripture we read of David’s repentance for requiring a census of the number of fighting men. Why David wanted to do this is known only to him and God. He was an old man and his fighting days were over.
We disguise the counting of numbers (people, contacts, giving, etc.) as proof that God is blessing us more than others. Did I just say that? Yes, I certainly did. We need to be honest with ourselves it is God who must bring the increase.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil