Day 122

2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21-22.  “Perspectives”

I appreciate the balance we receive by having the opportunity to read the same story from two passages.  The two accounts prove the trustworthiness of the incident, and yet it also provides different perspectives.  
Today’s reading starts off with an example of varying perspective.  One account leads us to believe God tempted David, but the other account clearly says Satan tempted David.  It provides us with a clear illustration of the original Hebrew writers’ perspectives.  They did not always distinguish between primary and secondary causes.  In other words, if God allowed Satan to tempt David, to them it was as if God did it.
Continuing with attention to perspective; David chose to sin even though Joab (of all people) knew it was wrong.  And furthermore, from this story we learn the value which God places on the intentions of the heart.  It is obvious that a census was not a sinful event.  The problem God had with David’s decision stemmed from David’s pride.  Bear in mind, our motives and not the action itself may contain the sin.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?