“I’m in a desperate situation!” David replied to Gad. “But let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great. Do not let me fall into human hands.” (2 Samuel 24:14 NLT)

Read: 2 Samuel 23:24-39, 2 Samuel 24, Acts 3, Psalms 123:1-4, Proverbs 16:21-23

Relate: Israel was once again focusing on itself rather than God. This is reflected in David’s prideful desire for a census. The sin was in counting the power of the nation rather than relying on God’s strength. God responded to the sin with three choices for David concerning the people of Israel. The punishment was not for David alone since the sin of the census was a reflection of the pride of the nation.

The story of the nation of Israel is a narrative of God’s pursuit of humanity. Israel continually turned its focus away from God in selfish pursuits, and God continually showed himself in all his power and his love to draw them back to him. God did not allow Israel to pursue its own sinful desires, which could lead to self destruction. He stepped in to remind the nation that they belonged to him.

React:  When we fail men, we fall into the hands of justice. Justice is often portrayed as a blind woman holding a scale and sword. The world’s Justice punishes those who do wrong without looking into the face or the heart of the guilty. When we fail God, there is a difference. God still requires atonement, but there is no blindfold obscuring his view of his children. God sees us and has mercy on us.

Just as David was given a choice in the process of justice, God has given us a choice. We can continue in our selfish pursuits and experience their natural consequences or accept Jesus to receive the punishment in our place. We too can fall into the hands of the Lord for his mercy is great.

Respond:

Dear Lord, I thank you for your great love and mercy. I am so grateful for the choice you have given each of us to accept Jesus to stand in our place. Help me to never forget who you are and the way that you rescue me. Amen