READING: 2 Samuel 22-24
Let’s just let the Word of God speak for itself today. The final chapters of 2 Samuel resound with the power of God and then turn ominously to the perceived power of man.
Chapter 22 is David’s song of praise, which echoes with the king’s recollection of God’s guiding him and granting him victory:
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.” (2 Sam 22:2)
“He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy, with great bolts of lightning he routed them.” (2 Sam 22:15)
“He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.” (2 Sam 22:18)
“You armed me with strength for battle; you humbled my adversaries before me.” (2 Sam 22:40)
“You have delivered me from the attacks of the peoples; you have preserved me as the head of nations.” (2 Sam 22:44)
Chapter 23 lists David’s great warriors, while also assuring that God gets the credit for victories: “The Lord brought about a great victory that day” (2 Sam 23:10); “the Lord brought about a great victory” (2 Sam 23:12).
It’s chapter 24 that leads to trouble. There, David takes a census of his fighting forces, apparently in an attempt to evaluate just how strong his forces are. Even when Joab tried to stop him, the king pressed on with his census. Though he knew that God had granted him the other victories, still he trusted in the size of his military more than in God. God was so displeased that He cast a plague on the entire nation, and David had to plead for God’s mercy.
Here, David is a tragic reminder to all of us. Just because we know that God gave us victory in the past does not necessarily mean that we will lean on Him today. We are reminded again by the Word that self-dependence is our norm, not God-dependence.
ACTION STEPS:
- This day — right now — honestly determine if you are more self-dependent or more God-dependent.
- If it’s the former, confess your sin and ask God to bring you back to dependence. Don’t wait until He must judge you to bring you to this place.
PRAYER: “God, make me truly dependent on You. Forgive my self-dependence.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Kings 1-2
