1 Chronicles 27:23-24 (ESV Strong's)
23 David did not count those below twenty years of age, for the LORD had promised to make Israel as many as the stars of heaven. 24 Joab the son of Zeruiah began to count, but did not finish. Yet wrath came upon Israel for this, and the number was not entered in the chronicles of King David.
Faith is About Obedience
In the above passage we have the recap of an earlier event. David, in his pride, wanted to count all the men in Israel that were 20 years and older. It is apparent that he did so out of pride. Joan, who was commissioned to complete the task tried to persuade David to not move forward. But, David prevailed. Joan was concerned that this was not according to God’s Word, that he did not even complete the task. The above passage tells us why all this was displeasing to Joab and disobedient to God. God had already told David that He would make Israel as the “stars of the heavens.” When David set out to number Israel he doubted God and God’s promise. This is the same reason those in the nation of Israel that were brought out of Egypt did not enter the promise land. Disobedience is not faith. God expects us to believe His Word, follow His Word in obedience. That is faith. David acted in the flesh and God sent a plague to punish the people. God takes following His word, seriously.
No comments:
Post a Comment