Keeping An Open Ear To The Lord.

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matt 26:41)

As I studied 1 Chronicles 21, I saw how King David had given an open door to Satan and fell into temptation by numbering his people. This, in turn, caused God to punish Israel. Although we do not know what type of punishment the nation suffered, the fruit of this rebellion gave King David a wake-up call to repent. ( 1Chron 21:7-8 ) As if this was not enough, the prophet gave a not-too-nice word of the Lord to the King.

The Lord gave David three choices to choose his punishment ( I Chronicles 21:12) —

1- Three years of Famine.

2- Three months of being destroyed by his enemies.

3-Three days of Pestilence in the land.

David was not stupid. He understood that even in wrath, the Lord remembers mercy (Hab 3:2), so he chose the third option. Upon seeing the tremendous destruction and lives lost (70,000 souls), he prayed to the Lord for mercy. God answered his prayers through a word given by the prophet Gad.

The Mercy Of God.

The question to be asked is why did God not forgive and forget? Beloved, sin has consequences. The word says to whom is given, much shall be required. ( Luke 12:48) David had a close relationship with God, and he knew his ways and always praised him. Another thing to see is that he was in a place of leadership. He had to lead by example.

Spiritual maturity has its benefits and consequences. In David’s situation, his disobedience cost the lives of 70,000 souls, and the death angel was going to move to Jerusalem next. Thank God that he had mercy on David and the rest of the nation by giving him a word from the prophet of God. Notice that the word came with instructions to build an altar and offer sacrifices to God. To do this, he was commanded to buy the property (Threshing floor) of a man named Araunah.

Beloved, God’s deliverance to spare further destruction came with instructions from above. It is imperative that we ask the Holy Spirit how to pray when destruction and oppression surround us. Another thing to point out is the importance of giving. Giving played a significant role in sparing God’s wrath upon the nation.

Notice that David offered burnt and peace offerings, which consisted of Bulls, Sheep, and lambs. On top of building an altar, he needed to pay for the land and the flocks. The total cost of the land and flocks was 15 pounds of gold. (I Chronicles 21:25-New international reader’s version) In today’s cost, 1 standard pound is $29,000 plus, so you do the math.

When Pastors talk about giving money to the church, people get leery and start questioning the ministry’s motives. Yes, I understand that there have been distortions in giving, and many have been hurt. Brethren, I want you to listen to me. When the Holy Spirit leads you to give your tithes and offerings, miracles happen. God will open the windows of Heaven. Miracles happen in an Open Heaven blessing. (Mal 3:8-10)

Concluding Thoughts.

Summing up this Bible lesson, we see the following items-

1-Spiritual maturity has benefits and consequences. We must lead by example.

2-The disobedience of David caused the loss of 70,000 lives.

3-David prayed and stopped the pestilence by buying the threshing floor and offering sacrifices unto God.

4- Giving is one of the ways God uses to bring about our deliverance. Remember the Open heaven concept.

So, keep this in mind when giving. Find a ministry that is being used by God and stand behind it. If God leads you to give to our ministry, we would consider it an honor to receive your offerings. (Please use the contact form for more information.) Finally, support your church with your tithes so that you can enjoy an Open Heaven in your life. God bless.