Satan Can Influence Leaders, and There Is a Great Price to Pay When We Listen – 1 Chronicles 21:1-2, 13, 17
We see this with King David:
1 Chronicles 21:1-2 (NIV84) “Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.” “So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites…”
The kings most trusted general appeals to the king, to no avail.
They count the fighting men. God sends the prophet Gad and asks David to choose his punishment. It is an incredible moment in history, recorded both in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles.
Upon given three choices, David responds:
1 Chronicles 21:13 (NIV84) “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.”
Sadly, the cost for leaders who sin is great, and it comes at a great cost to others.
The Lord brings judgment throughout Israel more than 70,000 die, and David cries out to God:
1 Chronicles 21:17 (NIV84) “David said to God, ‘Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I am the one who has sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? O Lord my God, let your hand fall upon me and my family, but do not let this plague remain on your people.'”
Leaders, may we submit to God and not give into the influence of the Devil. May we hear the voice of our counselors when they remind us of what is right.
The cost of our sin is not just on us but on others and will affect generations.
Father, help us obey you and hear your voice.
