Day 157: Wrong but Responsible

Today’s Scripture: 2 Samuel 24:17-25

Central Thought: It is God’s desire that we be mature, taking responsibility for our actions.

Much has been made, and rightly so, of David’s statement to Aruanah the Jebusite, ‘I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God which cost me nothing” (verse 24). We should be equally diligent that we do not offer Him gifts which have little or no value or meaning to us.

The context of this story is King David’s sin. He transgressed God’s commandment when he insisted on numbering the people. The consequence of this was the Angel of Pestilence killing the people. Do you notice David’s response? He immediately prays, taking personal responsibility for his sin and interceding on behalf of the people. Even more, he would not allow another to bear even a portion of the burden of making it right. He was the culpable party; he alone would pay the price to rectify the situation.

What a contrast with David’s predecessor, King Saul. When confronted with his own sin, Saul always found either some excuse or someone else to blame. David, the man after God’s own heart, humbled himself and accepted full responsibility for his actions. I believe that it was this heart of humility and responsibility that endeared David to God’s heart.

God wishes each of us to be humble and responsible in our own sphere of influence. When confronted with our mistakes, we must avoid reassigning blame or making excuses. It is when ‘we confess our sins [that] he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Devotional Prayer: Our faithful God, help me to mature into a person like David who receives Your correction with an attitude of humility and responsibility. Help me accept Your forgiveness and take the steps necessary to right my wrongs.

Today’s Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 23:24-24:25; Acts 3:1-26; Psalm 123:1-4; Proverbs 16:21-23