Daily Devotion: Dealing with the Consequences of Sin

Scripture:
1 Chronicles 21: 1-30

Main Verses:
1 Chronicles 21: 8-10
Then David said to God, "I have sinned greatly by doing this. Now, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing." The Lord said to Gad, David's seer, "Go and tell David, 'This is what the Lord says: I am giving you three options. Choose one of them for me to carry out against you.'"

Observation:
David was one of Israel's greatest kings, yet he also committed many mistakes and sins against the Lord. According to some Bible commentaries, when David asked Joab to take a census of Israel, he was disobeying God's specific instructions on how to carry out a census (Exodus 30: 12-16). It was, in fact, Satan at work here. God allowed Satan to tempt David to do the census so that He may punish Israel for their other sins. However, David was quick to admit his sins against the Lord. He immediately asked for forgiveness, but since he knew that sin has its consequences, he asked the Lord to punish him for his sins.

Application:
When we sin, we must remember that  there are consequences. But how do we deal with these consequences? First, it is important to admit that we have sinned. In 1 Chronicles 21:8a, David immediately assumed responsibility for his sin. There is no one else to blame but ourselves when we sin. Second, confess and repent. In v. 8b, David begged the Lord to take away the guilt that he was feeling. He immediately asked the Lord for cleansing. Do we ask the Lord right away for forgiveness when we commit sins? Let's make it a habit to ask the Lord to purify us from our sins.

Prayer:
Father, it is very easy for us to be tempted by the devil, but you are our source of strength and power. Please do not lead me into temptation. Give me the power to overcome any advances by the enemy. This I pray in the mighty name of Jesus, AMEN.