Sermons About Harden
2 Samuel 24 - Senseless Census
As we come to the final chapter in 2 Samuel we find some of our old nemeses of human strength and human success making us trust in ourselves. The author arranged these chapters so that right after the account of David's mighty men - Israel's strength, we find that David sinfully (even thought God incited him) counting Israel and Judah so that he might trust in the strength of his numbers. We must all remember that according to Hebrew thinking that whatever God permits is part of His plan. By allowing this census, God is viewed as having brought about the act. Let us, like David, not harden our hearts against the Spirit's convicting work. When we seek God's forgiveness from sin, we must not always expect the elimination of the consequences of that sin, nor should we think that forgiveness is without an atonement. David learns that even thought God's wrath is staid, it is not yet satisfied because David must build an alter a make sacrifice to the LORD for his people. It is only then that the famine ceases. You will find that it is only through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross that the mercy of God is available so that his wrath against you is staid and satisfied. Don't be a stranger to the covenants and promises of God by trusting your own strength ... Flee to Christ and trust Him today.
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