I hope everyone is enjoying the daily Bible reading as I have. I hope you don’t mind my two cents this morning in addition to Gordon’s encouraging email!

Why was census bad? Moses did census in the past as well – Num 1:1-3. Did you see the difference? David took census because he wanted to see the number (he wanted to take the credit or glory in numbers), whereas Moses took the census because the Lord commanded him to do so.

When David realized his sin, he confessed and the Lord gave him three choices because David had to face consequences of his sin – the Lord is a just God. I like what David said because I would have said the same! “Let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.” Yes, we are much harsher upon ourselves and others than our God. God has such loving heart that cannot stand our suffering. Indeed, He could not see the suffering of the Israel and told the angel to stop before completing his punishment upon David.

Do you notice how “David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell facedown”? Do you recall Moses had done that so many times – he fell facedown and tore his clothes before the Lord on behalf of the Israelites. That is a true picture of the leadership – “O lord my God, let your hand fall upon me and my family, but do not let this plague remain on your people”.

Finally, I find David’s praise and worship so comforting to my heart this morning:

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.”

Are you wailing this morning? Are you wearing sackcloth this morning? Are you silent in darkness? Look toward our gracious God who makes you dance, cloth you with joy and praise Him with songs of our thanksgivings.