*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*
*DO NOT SIN AGAINST GOD (3).*
*Scripture Treasure.*
2 Sam 24:1 *And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.*
*Insight and Highlight.*
Prov 26:20 *Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out:....*
*Scripture Commentaries.*
David fuelled the wood that started a fire of strife between God, himself, and Israel.
God's anger did not cease until David made amends.
In learning from God's anger on David, we have seen how we could learn and understand God's emotion by first asking ourselves, "Why would God incite David to do what was against Him?"
Second, by asking, "Why was God angry with David?"
Today, we hope to ask and seek answers to "Why Israel had to suffer for David's error."
One of the enduring lessons to learn from God's anger is the transfer of His anger to others other than the offender, David.
2 Sam 24:15 tells us that when David sinned, *.....there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men.* but he was spared.
The anointed of God is often spared while people under him suffer.
In 2 Sam 24, it is clear that the people killed by the plague died as a direct result of David's sin.
In 2 Sam 21:1, the scriptures record that Israel suffered famine because of the error of a past king. It records saying, *Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the Lord. And the Lord answered, "It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites."*
We also see that in some part of the scriptures that both kings and subjects often suffer national disasters for their disobedience to God
For example, in 2 Kgs 6: 28-31, we see a king's repentance, lamentation, and eventual transfer of aggression to Elisha over the predicaments that befell Samaria.
From the foregoing we can also learn that subjects do suffer instead of their erring kings because of their failure to pray, or see to the wellness of their leaders and or when they refuse to do anything within their capabilities to save their kings from the problems they got themselves.
1 Tim 2:2 stresses the importance of praying for leaders.
Furthermore, scriptures tell us how God often selectively protects His anointed.
God will not go against His word in order to protect His anointed.
He reproves kings for their sakes. He jealously guides and deals with them Himself forbidding any other person to touch them, Ps 105: 14-15.
He asked Aaron and Mariam why they were not afraid to speak to Moses, Numb 12:8
He heals them when they are wounded. Though they are bruised, He will not break them.
Isaiah 42:7 *A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.*
Though Jeremiah lamented hope for God's people, God's hope begins with His chosen leader. Jeremiah said God would not cast them off.
Lam 3:31-32 *For the Lord will not cast off forever:*
*But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.*
Just as His chosen may not totally know what could make Him angry, so also subjects must pray and do all within their ability to avoid the transfer of God's anger on His anointed to them.
Do you want to please God? Pray for yourself, your leaders, the country, city, church, and place you find yourself.
Ps 122:6 *Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.*
*Remorse corner.*
First, pray for yourself and others.
2 Tim 2:1 *l exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;*
*Call to Word action.*
Second, pray for your leaders.
2 Tim 2:2 *For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.*
*The Christian clarion duty.*
Third, when we do this, 2 Tim 2:3 says
*For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;*
*Prayer.*
Lord, help me to please You by my faithful contribution to my nation, leaders, and to my local church, in Jesus name.
Good morning all and be blessed as you go today.
God bless you.
Comentários