Scripture Union Daily Guide Thursday 8th October 2020 Message
TOPIC: A DANGEROUS DECISION
Opening Prayer: Grant me depth of insight, revelation and knowledge as I meditate on this passage, O Lord.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 24:1-14
Reflection:
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Is there any warning for me to heed?
Scripture Union Daily Guide Thursday 8th October 2020
Although no reason is given here why God was angry with Israel, instead of David, the one who directed the census, we could deduce from this that there might have been some element of pride in David over the size of the army. The census shifted his confidence from God to self. God was very angry with Israel (v.1).
One wonders why Joab’s challenge to David’s decision (vv.3,4) did not help him reconsider and cancel his decision (1 Chronicles 21:1). Pride again? Whenever you are tempted to become conceited with the sense of your achievement and position and so forget that it is God who has made you who you are and given you victory, Satan is at work.
Although his counsel was ignored, Joab, as a soldier and subject, obeyed the king’s instructions (vv.4–9). What can we learn from vv.10–11? See God’s reaction to the whole issue (vv.11–12). If your counsel is rejected and disaster follows a rash decision, what should you do? David’s statement in v.10 seems like medicine after death. Let us never take our faithful, patient and merciful God for granted.
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application:
• So what: We must watch our lives and actions closely that we may not be overtaken by pride or be tempted to shift our focus from God at any time. God is closely watching us.
1. I must tell Jesus all of my trials;
I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me;
He ever loves and cares for His own.
Refrain
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.
2. O how the world to evil allures me!
O how my heart is tempted to sin!
I must tell Jesus, and He will help me
Over the world the victory to win.
Prayer:
• O Lord, keep me constantly alert so Satan does not, through the weakness of my flesh, cause me to offend you.
• Pray for Christians who are being persecuted as a result of their faith to have courage and perseverance. Pray for God’s speedy intervention and help.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Isaiah 41:14
Read The Bible In One Year: Ezek. 47–48; John 20
Scripture Union Daily Guide Thursday 8th October 2020 – Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.