What does God's response to David's offering teach about His mercy? Setting the Scene - 1 Chronicles 21 records David’s sinful census, the resulting plague, and God directing him to build an altar on Ornan’s threshing floor. - Verse 26: “And David built an altar to the LORD there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. And the LORD answered him from heaven by fire on the altar of burnt offering.” - Immediately afterward, “the LORD commanded the angel, and he put his sword back into its sheath” (v. 27). Mercy Displayed in Four Swift Movements 1. God PRESCRIBES the remedy (v. 18). 2. David OBEYS and offers costly sacrifices (vv. 24–25). 3. Fire FALLS, signaling acceptance (v. 26). 4. Judgment CEASES (v. 27). Each step highlights God’s willingness to halt wrath once atonement is made. Key Truths About Mercy Drawn from God’s Response • Mercy provides a way back: – God doesn’t leave David guessing; He gives clear instruction for restoration (v. 18). – Parallel: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive” (1 John 1:9). • Mercy accepts substitution: – Burnt and peace offerings take the place of David and the nation. – Foreshadowing: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). • Mercy acts swiftly: – The plague ends the moment God’s fire consumes the sacrifice. – Psalm 103:8–10 affirms that the LORD is “slow to anger” and “does not treat us as our sins deserve.” • Mercy is confirmed by visible assurance: – Fire from heaven (cf. Leviticus 9:24; 2 Chronicles 7:1) visibly seals God’s acceptance. – Assurance today: the empty tomb (1 Corinthians 15:17–20). • Mercy transforms the place of failure: – The threshing floor becomes the future temple site (2 Chronicles 3:1), turning a scene of judgment into the heart of worship. – Isaiah 61:3 speaks of God giving “beauty for ashes,” a pattern seen here first. Why This Matters for Us - God’s mercy is proactive—He initiates reconciliation. - God’s mercy is costly—blood is shed, pointing ahead to the cross. - God’s mercy is transformative—what began in sin ends in worship. - God’s mercy is dependable—when He signals acceptance, judgment truly stops. Fire fell, the sword was sheathed, and the site of wrath became a sanctuary. That’s mercy in action: God halting deserved judgment through an accepted sacrifice so that fellowship can flourish again. |
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