For the wrong reason

For The Wrong Reason
By Brian Reid - NTUBC

I want to take you, way – back, in the Old Testament, to the book of Numbers, to the very first chapter, to the very first verse.

It was in the spring-time, of the second year from when the Israelites had left Egypt. The Lord spoke to Moses, in the Tabernacle, in the wilderness of Sinai.

He said;
“Take a census of the whole community of Israel, by clans and families. List the names of all the men, 20 years old, or older, who are able to go to war. You and Aaron are to direct the project, assisted by one family leader from each tribe.”

So, Moses and Aaron took on this huge task; as the Lord had commanded.

This book, the 4th book of the Bible is named for this census; because this was ‘the numbering of the people.’

Now, fast-forward to 1 Chronicles 21. Here, another census is commanded, to be taken.

Verse 2;
“Take a census of all the people in the land – from Beersheba, in the south, to Dan, in the north – and bring me the totals, so I may know, how many there are.”

The census of the nation of Israel, outlined in Numbers, chapter 1 and 2, taken early in the nation’s life, was ordered and sanctioned by God, Himself; but, the second census (of 1 Chronicles), was not!

The first census, was taken to determine its military strength (in preparation of entering the Promised Land). As well, the 12 tribes had to be organized, so that land dispersal would be accurate; also, the census was taken to provide genealogical records.

Like the first census, authorized by God, David’s census was taken to determine military might and strength; David’s military power – not God’s power. David, ordering and taking a census, was not a sin, but his reasoning behind taking the census was.

David’s census rendered disaster onto his people and land, because this census was taken, so he could take pride in the strength of his army. In determining his (David’s) military strength, David was beginning to trust in his own power, more than the power and might of God. And, here lies the sin.

There is a fine line between, feeling confident, because you are relying on God’s power, and, becoming proud, because you have been used by God, for great purposes.

David’s census brought great hardship to the land of Israel – and its people; but, how?

Often, it is not ‘the act’ that is sinful, but the motivation, the purpose, or reasoning behind ‘the act,’ - that is.

For example, sharing information with someone is not a sin, but when we share the truth, and you know, that truth will get someone in trouble, or cause hardship to another person – that is the sin!

Breaking a promise is not really a sin. Making a promise, knowing full-well you will not keep it; and, in not following through on your commitment, brings misfortune and anxiety to someone, that is the sin!

So, doing something, may not be sinful, but, it is our intentions, that are often full of sin.


Let’s look at David’s situation.

Verse 1, we read;
“Satan rose up against Israel, and caused David to take a census of the Israelites.”

Let me ask you this? A “Moment of Truth.” Can Satan cause or force anyone to do wrong?
This answer might surprise, some of you. Think about it carefully. Can Satan cause anyone to sin?

Absolutely Not!

Satan only tempted David, and David acted on that temptation; because of what – free-will.

God gave us free-will, yes; but not to harm us, or to try and deceive, or trick us, but, that we might show our love through the choices we make – within that freedom.

God hopes that we would always make the right choice.
Satan hopes that we would always make the wrong choice.

Ever since the Great Fall, in the Garden of Eden, Satan has been tempting people to sin; using free-will.

Within that independence, we always have the freedom to reason, to think, to make decisions, which will show our love to God, or show our weaknesses.

David’s census was not against God’s law, but his reason for the census, was wrong and sinful – pride in his mighty army. David forgot that his real strength, came from God.

Even Joab, not known for his high moral ideals, recognized the census as sin.

Listen to what Joab says, in verse 3;
“May the Lord increase the number of his people a hundred times over! But why, my lord, do you want to do this? Are they not all your servants? Why must you cause Israel to sin?”

God provided a way out, in Joab’s counsel, but David fell to Satan’s temptation.

God always provides a way out in every circumstance; we simply must search for it and use it. How often have we looked back at something we have done, only to see God at work in the midst of it? How often have we looked back, and wished we had made a different decision? Hindsight, they say, is 20/20.

David was spurred on by arrogance. His faith was in his own strength, rather than in God’s. This is where the true sin lies.

Verse 4;
“But the King insisted, that Joab take the census, so Joab traveled throughout Israel, to count the people. Then, he returned to Jerusalem, and reported the number of people to David.

There were 1,100,000 men if military age in Israel, and 470,000 in Judah. But, Joab did not include the tribes of Levi and Benjamin in the census, because he was so distressed, at what the king had made him do.”

Joab held back some numbers, because he thought that the census was detestable, offensive, disgusting, horrifying; as he thought about God’s wrath.

David on the other hand, got the information, he so egotistical wanted. Now, conceit, pride and complacency set in. His power was now absolute, within his mind.
But, be forewarned, that absolute power, corrupts absolutely. David was now fully, totally, and completely poisoned.

Often, when we sin, when we have gotten caught, when everyone knows what we have done, and points to us; we do admit our wrong-doings. Some people, go a little further, and apologize for any harm done – and walk away. Some people think that is enough.

For some people, that is all they can offer, for they simply cannot, or they don’t feel obligated to do any more.

But, for a few, they know that is not the end of it; and go beyond just plain admitting their sins, they go beyond saying their sorry; they try to make amends. They want to make-it-up to the person, that they have wronged, they want to fix it, they offer restoration, compensation, and atonement.

Christ did this for us.

By sinning, our Jewish ancestors, caused a great separation between the human race and God. God then needed, and demanded to be appeased, But, we frail humans, could not, and did not have the capabilities, to correct the wrong that was caused.

So, God sent His Son to earth to become the perfect lamb, the perfect sacrifice, the perfect atonement for our sins. Christ died so we could live for eternity.

Christ did that for us, Christ went beyond admitting the wrong-doings of man, Christ went beyond a simple apology; Christ made amends to God - and provided restoration, compensation, and atonement.

David did very much, the same thing. Firstly, he owned-up to his mistake.

Verse 8;
“David said to God, ‘I have sinned greatly, and should not have taken the census. Please forgive me for doing this foolish thing.’”

When David realized his sin, he took full responsibility, admitted he as wrong, and asked God to forgive him.

And, what was David’s sin?
Arrogance and faith in his own strength, rather than in God’s.

If we feel self-sufficient, and put confidence in ourselves – apart from God, we soon will fall to Satan’s schemes. Self-sufficiency pulls us away from God. When we are tempted, we must examine our inner desires, to understand why, the external temptation is so appealing.

God loves us, dearly, and only wants to look after us; and He can’t do that - if we won’t let Him.

So, David saw where he went wrong, admitted it, to God, and asked for forgiveness. Often, we might go through all the steps of admitting our sins, apologizing for them, and maybe even making amends; but we forget to ask for forgiveness.

Forgiveness is what God grants through His love and His grace, but, we - as sinners, must take that final step, and ask, and sometimes, beg for mercy.

David does all this.

But, we must remember that forgiveness doesn’t mean that punishment won’t be given. For us, punishment can be going through these steps; admitting we have sinned, realizing we are not perfect, humbling ourselves before God – and dealing with all the emotions, fears and pain of that whole process.

Often, our punishment comes long before, we admit our sins (x2).

Sometimes, punishment comes from those who loose faith in us, think less of us, or through isolation. Often, the natural and logical consequences of our sin, is our punishment. But, punishment can also be more severe, if the sin is severe. Only God can make that judgement.

But, I feel there is a real difference between struggling with an issue, and constant and consistent sinning. I also feel that God knows what we struggle with.

So, what was God response to David’s confession and admission?

Well, God was very displeased with the census - to say the lest; and through Gad (David’s seer), He gave David, 3 forms of punishment to choose from.

3 years of famine, 3 months of destruction by their enemies, or 3 days of severe plague, as the angel of the Lord would bring devastation throughout the land of Israel.

David replied;
“This is a desperate situation. But, let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for His mercy is very great. Do not let me fall into human hands.”

So, the Lord, sent a plague, and 70,000 people died because of it. Then, the Lord sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem, but at the last moment, the Lord relented – and the angel was stopped; right by the threshing floor of Ornan – the Jebusite.

Then in verse 17, David releases everyone else from any responsibility. He says to God;

“I am the one who called for the census! I am the one who has sinned and done wrong! But these people are innocent – what have they done?

O Lord my God, let Your anger fall against me, and my family, but do not destroy Your people.”
Back then, the family and its name was inclusive. If someone brought great honor, to the family name, then all rejoiced in it. And, if someone brought shame, to the family name, then all shared in it as well.

As David waited, with his face against the ground, in obedience, and submissiveness, the Lord instructed that he build an alter.

So David bought that very threshing floor, and used it to build an alter to the Lord; where he sacrificed burnt offerings, and peace offerings.

For now, God was appeased and His wrath stilled.

Conclusion
From David’s example, we learn that an action, may not be wrong in itself, can be sinful; if it is motivated by greed, arrogance, or selfishness. Often, our motives, not the action itself, contain the sin. We must constantly weigh our motives before we act.
Let me assure you of this; God can use our sins for good purposes, if we are truly sorry for them, and seek His forgiveness. When we confess our sins, the way is opened, for God to draw good, from a bad situation.

When temptation is too great, and you succumb to sin, do you bring it before God - and ask for forgiveness?

When you allow arrogance and pride, to over take your common sense - do you seek His mercy?
When your self-confidence, turns to self-importance - do you bow before God in obedience and submissiveness?

Will you allow God, to use your sins - to bring grace to this world?

Let’s pray;