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RELYING ON HUMAN POWER: DAVID’S CENSUS (1 CHRONICLES 21:1-13)

REFLECTION

“Relying on human power: David’s census” is the theme for our reflection. Relying on human power means denying the glory of God, and His sovereignty and erroneously believing that success comes from the competence and ability or might of mere mortals. In other words, focusing on the creation rather than the creator. A census, on the other hand, is a usually complete count of a targeted population.

Dear friends, taking a census is a good thing because it enables a government to know the number of people within the four walls of the nation for future plans and policies towards development. However, in David’s case, we understand that he was tempted by satan or the accuser to undertake a census of his military men as a sign of displaying his ego or pride. (1 Chronicles 21: 1-2). Again, as part of national security and intelligence, it was expected that David would have known or had a fair idea of the number of military men at his disposal, hence the reply from Joab, his commander, ““… My lord the king, are they not all my lord’s subjects? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?” (1 Chronicles 21:3). In other words, Joab, sensed that King David’s demand for a census to be conducted was an indication that the King was relying on human power rather than God’s protection and power. Joab, the commander and strategist of King David’s army, had a firm conviction that their battles were not won because of their number but because God gave them the power to be victorious during their military campaigns. It was for this reason he felt it was wrong for the King to conduct a needless census to prove his military power or competence against his enemies. As usual of an arrogant leader, King David refused to listen to the wisdom or counsel of Joab and went ahead to sin against God. “The king’s word, however, overruled Joab; so Joab left and went throughout Israel and then came back to Jerusalem. 5 Joab reported the number of the fighting men to David: In all Israel, there were one million one hundred thousand men who could handle a sword, including four hundred and seventy thousand in Judah.” 1 Chronicles 21:4-5

Dear friends in the Lord, unlike David, we must never allow ourselves to be tempted by wealth and power lest we become filled with pride. Indeed, the source of pride of many people are human security, earthly wealth, possessions and power. These things are mere blessings and must never replace God in our lives lest we become filled with the abominable and detestable sin of pride. It is for this reason that the devil tempted Jesus and “… led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendour; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” (Luke 4:5-8). Beloved in the Lord, pride simply means taking God out of the picture and seeing oneself as the source and sustainer of one’s own life because of one’s earthly power and possessions. This is the temptation David fell for when he embarked on the misguided census.

We are gain assured of God’s mercy and grace when we come to Him in repentance. We see a demonstration of King David’s remorse when he realised that his “… command (to conduct the census) was also evil in the sight of God; so he punished Israel. 8 Then David said to God, “I have sinned greatly by doing this. Now, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.” (1 Chronicles 21:7-8) Leaders must learn to take responsibility for their actions and inactions, especially, when they make decisions that have adverse effects on the nation or the people they lead. Unfortunately, in our dispensation, leaders engage in blame game and equalisation within the media instead of showing remorse for bad economic decisions and policies. This posturing incurs the wrath of God and the displeasure of people they lead.

It is also important to note that our actions and inactions have ramifications regardless of God’s forgiveness. God’s divine forgiveness does not always guarantee an escape from the ramifications or consequences of our ungodly existential decisions or disobedience. Although David was forgiven for doing the forbidden, we are told that “David said to Gad, “I am in deep distress. Let me fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into human hands.” 14 So the LORD sent a plague on Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell dead. 15 And God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem. But as the angel was doing so, the LORD saw it and relented concerning the disaster and said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand.” (1 Chronicles 21:13-15). In others, the nation suffered the ramifications of bad leadership or the decision of King David although God forgave him.

In summary, to avoid the temptation of pride, we must rely on God always and never depend on our human power, we must learn to be remorseful when our sins are before us or made known to us , and last but not least, let us pray for the Lord’s mercy when the consequences of our sins come on upon us. Shalom

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, grant us the awareness to always appreciate the power of God at work in our lives and may our decisions or actions be pleasing to God always. Amen.