Read: 1 Chronicles 18-21
Focus Verse: “David said to Gad, “I am in deep distress. Let me fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into human hands.” (1 Chronicles 21:13).
Devotion: Huh, David messed up and the messenger Gad tells him that God has given him three options for his punishment. David messed up so now he has to choose between 3 years of famine, 3 months of losing in battle to his enemies, or 3 days of plague from the angel of the LORD. I imagine any distraction the LORD would do would bar exceed the worst that humans could muster. But David chooses God’s destruction, option 3, because he says the LORD’s mercy is very great. Indeed it is! For “as the angel was doing so, the LORD saw it and relented concerning the disaster and said to the angel who was destroying the people, ‘Enough!’” (1 Chronicles 21:15b). We see, unlike Davids human enemies, God’s judgement is filled with mercy. When others mess up, or when we do, we should extend the same mercy. For we know that mercy is what God extends to us in Christ.
Pray: LORD show me mercy for my sin. Forgive and love me as I learn how to correct my ways. Amen.
Additional Scripture: “I know the plans I have for you,’ says the LORD. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)