Thursday 28th November
Read 2 Samuel 24:13-14
“So Gad went to David and said to him, ‘Shall there come on you three years of famine in your land? Or three months of fleeing from your enemies while they pursue you? Or three days of plague in your land? Now then, think it over and decide how I should answer the one who sent me.’
14 David said to Gad, ‘I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into human hands.’” (NIVUK)
Three choices of escalating suffering in shorter time frames. How does one possibly choose? Israel is bound over by God to disobedience and David is called to choose the punishment. How does one decide the way in which one’s people will suffer? How would you choose?
David was blessed last time he confessed his sin, and his sin was passed over. The choice before him is horrifying, and in a way helps us to understand why he is presented with it all. The Lord’s anointed is unable to prevent the wrath of God falling on his people. He is unable to stand in the gap effectively. He is incredibly and justifiably distressed. In his distress he draws the only sensible conclusion to make his decision. God may be merciful, but men will not. Is there no man who can stand in the gap and bear God’s wrath?
“For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34 ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counsellor?’
35 ‘Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?’
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory for ever! Amen.” (Romans 11:32-36) (NIVUK)
