Tuesday, February 8: 1Chronicles 14- The Lord and none other

Multiple times in this chapter David inquires of the Lord before he goes to war. The Philistines were enemies bent on exterminating the Israelites from the land. Threats were real and conflict a way of life while David reigned as king. Every war and every battle costs.  It costs monetary resources and more importantly, it costs in the lives of soldiers and the productivity of men removed from their farms and homes. David didn’t rush into conflict, instead he took the time to inquire of the Lord about going to war and even strategy for each battle.

Reading about David reminds me how willing the Lord is to direct and lead us through the complications, decisions and facets of our lives. Inquire of God… ask Him… James 1:5 comes to mind: If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Another verse caught my attention, The Philistines had abandoned their gods there, and David gave orders to burn them in the fire (12). Not only does David understand the blessing of the Lord but also God’s willingness to direct and help. This verse shows me that David also understands the dangers of false gods. As the Philistines retreated from one of their defeats, soldiers dropped their stuff and ran. Among the things dropped were ‘their gods,’ likely amulets, statues and other religious articles and figurines. As the soldiers gather the booty, David orders that all Philistines gods be collected and destroyed. David understands the danger here… no dabbling in or with foreign gods!!!!

Reading this reminds me how easily we can be to be enticed from the Lord to other gods. When we put our hope and trust in anyone or anything other than the Lord we have begun to follow another god.  Beware! This verse causes me think how easily I can be enticed to other ‘gods:’ the god of the bank account, the god of the retirement account, the god of my education…

Lord, forgive me for putting anything before You and for trusting anything for my future other than YOU! Amen.

 

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