Read 2 Samuel Chapter 24: 1-25.
It seems since the beginning of this year 2020, the most used terms by the majority of the people globally are COVID-19, Coronavirus, the pandemic, outbreak, disease, infection, distancing, isolation, Wuhan, Chinese, W.H.O., scientists, vaccine and other related terms and experiences of people. A lot of people have lost their balance, and life has been tough as millions are affected by the outbreak of the virus and the consequences. But let us find a way to come out of the pandemic and see the bright side of life in the light of God’s Word.
As we examine the Chapter above, we come across the fact of a plague that affected the nation of Israel during King David’s reign; also we notice the prayer offered by the king and God’s intervention in canceling the plague.
- The Plague. (Vs. 15). The plague was sent by God through the agency of Satan who influenced King David to take a census of Israel and Judah. (1 Chronicle 21:1).
- Taking a census in itself is not wrong or sinful since God Himself has initiated and instructed Moses to do it according to His plan for a specific purpose ( Exodus 30:11-16).
- David’s move to number his people must have been with a wrong motive: to see the strength of his army who are ready for war; this was against the will and purpose of God and he was displeased.1 Chronicles 21:7). Dependence on his own wisdom and trust in his might with the number of men around him is the sin of not trusting God.
- Neglect, rebellion, being led by wrong influence displeases the Lord. The consequences of the punishment fell on the entire nation, seventy thousand men lost their lives.
- The Prayer. (Vs.17). God always responds to sincere and heartfelt and sorrowful prayers. David, after the numbering of the people immediately felt guilty, and confessed to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done…”. The seer Gad was instrumental in communicating God’s displeasure of the king’s action and the choices of the punishment upon the nation.
- Heart-felt, repentant prayer draws the attention of God and moves Him to act and intervene in the pandemic.
- The sincere prayer is focused on God on behalf of the people and admits the wrong done without shifting the blame on anyone.
- The genuine spirit of prayer in a person moves to action and is willing to go extra miles and make necessary sacrifices.
- The Cancellation (25). “And the plague was withdrawn from Israel”. What God allowed, (though Satan influenced David and the plague was sent to punish the nation,) He will avert. Satan may rule over the mind that is given to him, but God in His mercy overrules and sovereignly glorifies His name.
- The plague and its consequences may seem to have the full control of the people of Israel at least temporarily. But God is in control, even when Satan intruded and invaded the thought pattern of David for a little while.
- What Satan initiates, God cancels by the prayers and confessions offered to Him in true repentance?
- So long as the altar is built and remains as a place chosen to burn sacrifices to God (serious prayers with a broken heart and spirit) the plague has no chance of spreading or taking any lives.
Are there any “plagues” gripping you and controlling you today? The plague of destruction on your health, finances, family, businesses, education, spiritual advancement, and general prosperity?
Seek God in private prayer, united prayer, and confessional prayer and wait to see God at work. Amen.
God bless you.
Pastor Joe Kurian
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