2 Samuel 24

Good Morning “Always Trusting in The Lord”.  Today we are in 2 Samuel 24.  

“Again the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.”” 2 Samuel‬ ‭24‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” James 1:13-14.

How do these passages reconcile?  If God does not tempt anyone, how did He incite David?
Check out the beginning of the parallel passage in 1 Chronicles 21
“Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.” 1 Chronicles‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This is simply confirmation that ALL things are under God - including Satan.  There is no Ying and Yang.  Good and evil are not equal, just opposite.  God uses everything to bring about His desired action… including sinners, including Satan.  If you struggle that God uses sin and sinners to bring about His good plan… ask yourself, what else does He have to work with?  

Here, God allows / causes Satan to do what Satan does… in this case stir up the evil desire already in David.  David calls for a census of the fighting men of Israel.  This displays both pride and a lack of faith in God as the one that brings the victory.  Why would God do such a thing?  To deal with the sin within the heart of David and Israel.  Once it’s out, it can be dealt with.  

Similarly, many of us would quickly say we trust God, plus nothing… while we purpose to take a census of our own resources.

Love you all!  Dig in!