ESOCS Devotional 1 April 2022
TEXT: II SAMUEL 24:1-14
MEMORY VERSE: “David answered”, I am in desperate situation! But I don’t want to be punished by people. Let the LORD himself be the one to punish us, for he is merciful.” 2 Samuel 24:14GNV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
God’s mercy from ancient time is shown in His persistent refusal to wash His hands off the affairs of men, despite human unworthiness. He capped it all in the coming, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our salvation (John 3:16).
David was quite aware of this great quality of God. Thus, when in our text he sinned by executing a census in Israel contrary to the word of God; he owned up the sin and described his action with the exact words that defines it. In verse 10 he said, “I have committed a terrible sin in doing this! Please forgive me I have acted foolishly.”
One of the key marks of a God fearing person is to accept his fault when he realizes it. He also submits himself to the consequent disciplinary action. He confesses and feels sorry for the sinful act. God does not fail to forgive and pardon such person. This is the kind of life we should emulate in order to grow and be perfect servants of God (Psalm 51:16, 17).
Truly, it does not pay to make excuses and justify our sinful acts when we realize our sin. Some attack those that reveal their errors. Others make excuses and find justification. All these antics among others are employed when an unrepentant sinner is faced with his sin. We should not follow such life style.
We have got to take responsibility for our actions, repent, and confess them when necessary. God is ever merciful and lovely. He had mercy on David after confession and showed him a way out.
- Do you realize that God can forgive and forget, if you confess your sins to Him?
- Father, I realize the sins of the past and I am sorry. Grant me forgiveness and give me the grace to sin no more, in Jesus Name. Amen.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Mark 14:16-end, Jeremiah 39:1-end; 1 Peter 3:17-20
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ESOCS Devotional 1 April 2022
