A Reflection for Monday, March 10 by Samantha Wade
Lectionary Reading for 03/10/2025: Psalm 17; 1 Chronicles 21:1-17; 1 John 2:1-6
Selected Passage for reflection: 1 Chronicles 21:1-17
Read
1 Chronicles 21:17 (CSB)
David said to God, “Wasn’t I the one who gave the order to count the people? I am the one who has sinned and acted very wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Lord my God, please let your hand be against me and against my father’s family, but don’t let the plague be against your people.”
Reflect
I can see why David is considered “the man after God’s own heart (1 Sam 13:14)”. There are few kings in scripture that were willing to be humbled later in their reign. Many of Judah’s kings started out faithful and passionate about the things of God. Yet as time passed Solomon was distracted by his wives, Hezekiah did not heed Isaiah’s prophecy about exile, Amaziah completely turned from following the Lord, and Uzziah let his pride get in the way of obedience to the Lord.
I want to cheer for David because he makes these three confessions: “I have sinned greatly (1 Chr. 21:8)”, “let me fall into the Lord’s hands because his mercies are very great (1 Chr. 21:13)”, “I have sinned let your hand be against me (1 Chr. 21:17).” When God brings about the consequences for David’s sin, David rightly humbles himself out of fear of the Lord. However, there is one aspect about this story which most likely prevents it from becoming a beloved Childrens’ Bible story favorite. David being incited by Satan to take a census leads to the death of 70,000 Israelite men.
It would seem that David’s “innocent sheep” bore the brunt of David’s sin. David has this beautiful plea that he and his father’s family would bear the guilt. But God’s response is for David to build an altar and offer sacrifices. I wonder if it was this situation which motivated David to pen this Psalm, “He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his faithful love towards those who fear him (103:10-11).”
At this point, it could be so easy for us to think of people who God “let off” while the innocent have suffered because of their sin. But this example from David’s life should be a poignant reminder that our sin will always harm the innocent. Ultimately it was an innocent person who bore the full punishment of our sins. 1 Peter 2:24-25, “[Jesus] himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but you have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
Brothers and Sisters, be humbled by the fear of the Lord and do not sin. Yet, if you fall, know you have a merciful God. He will restore you.
Respond
Read and share Lamentations 3:22-33 with someone. Confess the truth of scripture that God is merciful and abounding is faithful love and confess your sins to one another.
Rest
Father, may our first love not grow cold. May we be attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and continue to be teachable. Strengthen us to always be humble that we can continually be conformed into the image of your Son. Amen.
About the Author
Samantha Wade is currently a stay at home mom caring for her three young boys. Samatha received a Masters of Divinity from Denver Seminary in 2018 and was a chaplain in the Army Reserves. As a military wife and mother to young children, life is in constant transition for Samantha, so she strives to do ministry wherever the Lord may take her. Samantha and her family currently reside in Palmer, AK.