How should we respond when faced with consequences of our actions, like David? The Setup: David’s Census and God’s Confrontation 1 Chronicles 21 sets the scene: David orders a census motivated by pride, God is displeased, and the prophet Gad delivers the Lord’s word: “Go and tell David, ‘This is what the LORD says: I offer you three options. Choose one of them for Me to carry out against you.’” (1 Chronicles 21:10) Why Consequences Matter • They expose the seriousness of sin (Romans 6:23) • They remind us God’s justice is real (Galatians 6:7) • They become moments for deeper trust and growth (Hebrews 12:10-11) David’s Response: A Pattern to Follow • Immediate ownership of sin (21:8) “‘I have sinned greatly by doing this… Please forgive Your servant’s guilt.’” • Refusal to shift blame (contrast Genesis 3:12-13) • Willing submission to God’s discipline (21:13) “‘Let me fall into the hands of the LORD, for His mercy is very great…’” • Active repentance that costs something (21:24) “I will not offer to the LORD that which costs me nothing.” • Public worship after punishment (21:26-27) Principles for Us Today Accept Responsibility – Proverbs 28:13: “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” – No excuses, no blame-shifting; speak truth to God and others. Seek God’s Mercy First – Psalm 51:1-2 shows David’s heart: “According to Your loving devotion blot out my transgressions.” – Run toward the Lord, not away; consequences are safest in His hands. Submit to Discipline – Hebrews 12:6: “The Lord disciplines the one He loves.” – Discipline is proof of sonship, not rejection. Accept the Cost – Restitution, apologies, financial loss, reputation repair—whatever the fallout, meet it honestly. – Obedience may be painful, but it pleases God (1 Peter 2:20). Return to Worship – David built an altar; we turn back to regular fellowship, Scripture, service. – Psalm 32:11: “Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous…” Worship shifts focus from failure to grace. Grounded in the Cross Christ bore ultimate consequence for sin (Isaiah 53:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21). When temporal consequences remain, they are never punitive wrath for the believer but fatherly correction leading to holiness. Putting It into Practice • Openly confess specific sin to God (1 John 1:9). • Identify anyone wronged; seek reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24). • Receive any discipline—legal, relational, financial—without complaint. • Thank God for mercy bigger than the mess. • Stay in the Word and keep serving; do not let shame sideline you (Psalm 40:1-3). Like David, we meet consequences head-on, trusting the Lord whose mercy is “very great.” |
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