Thurs.’s Devo -God is in Control

Read: 2 Sam. 23:24-24:25, Acts 3:1-26, Ps. 123:1-4, Pr. 16:21-23 It is interesting to note that Uriah the Hittite, Bathsheba’s husband is listed in the thirty mighty men of David’s. Another interesting thing is that God was angry at David and moved David to want to number the men of age that fit the requirements to fight for him if he needed them. It is easy for us to say that God is in control, but today we see that he really is in control. He moved David to count the men so he could discipline them. The fact that David wouldn’t listen to the advise of his men showed the condition of the heart of Israel. It had become proud and powerful and was drifting away from God. God revealed their heart and then had to discipline them. David chose to be disciplined by God instead of men and like he was hoping, God was merciful. He stopped the plague at the threshing floor of Araunah, but not before 70,000 had died of the plague. David bought the land from Araunah for fifty shekels of silver. Silver is the metal that means redemption. This would be the land the temple would be built on. In Acts, the lame beggar beside the gate was looking to the disciples for money, but received total healing instead. He went into the temple for the first time in his life walking, leaping, and praising God. Now that he was not cripple he was acceptable to God…according to Jewish law. According to the law of the spirit, he was always acceptable to God. When the people were perplexed, Peter saw this as a great opportunity to witness the power of Jesus and his resurrection. He explained that the one they rejected and refused was in fact the Messiah and they have been given His name to do the same miracles He did. We’ll see their reaction tomorrow. Lord, help us to be discerning and wise of heart.