SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 21:8

Because David had a covenant of Sure Mercy guaranteeing redemption, his greatest failures became Israel’s greatest blessings! Jesus died for that same covenant which is offered to all who accept Him! 1 Chronicles 21 reveals David’s sin of numbering Israel. Even against the wishes of his commanders. Verse 4 says, “Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed against Joab.” So apparently, in David’s pride and arrogance, he needed to know how many people he had who drew the sword. The count totaled 1,100,000 men, the majority coming from his own tribe of Judah. It is interesting that verse 7 says, “And God was displeased with this thing; therefore He struck Israel.” As soon as God stuck Israel, David repented. Isn’t it interesting how people refuse to repent until God strikes something close to them or some dramatic adversity happens which causes self examination? David’s repentance in verse 8 is notable, “So David said to God, ‘/ have sinned greatly, because / have done this thing; but now, / pray, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for / have done very foolishly:” The root issue of the Sword’s importance in Revelation may be that it is God’s last option to bring repentance. If we hesitate over praying the Sword into action, our unsanctified mercy may forfeit a harvest. We find the fruit of the Sword is often repentance, as it should be. We send people out all the time, teaching them to proclaim repentance and salvation, but we have not taught them how to bring the Sword, which is the greatest motivator of all.