Text:
1 Chronicles 21:1-8
Memory Verse:
“Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel” (1 Chronicles 21:1).
To set up is to put someone else into a compromising situation by deceit or trickery. The goal is usually to get them into trouble. Usually, the ones being setup are so engrossed with the immediate reward that they fail to give thought to any other possible consequences of their actions. Satan is
the one behind every setup, even where he uses human agents. David’s decision to number the people in his domain or take a census did not appear done for any reason other than pride. His decision clearly contravened God’s instructions and, despite Joab’s counsel, he prevailed (Exodus 30:11-16). David’s error was self-inflicted. Sometimes our mistakes are as a result of faulty
judgement or inadequate understanding of the word of God. Satan is always going around finding reasons and ways of getting people in trouble with God. He looks out for your vulnerable moments. He sought out Eve when Adam was not near. He accused Job falsely before God to inflict pain
hoping he would fall (Job 1:7-12; 2:1-7). He even went after Jesus, the Son of God, offering the good things of life that he might derail His ministry, even before it started! In Acts 5, Satan made Ananias and Sapphira lie to the brethren and die prematurely.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Be wary of juicy baits. Be content. Resist pride and boasting. Stay close to the word of God and Christian brethren. Do not be a loner.
Prayer Points:
1. May I be more sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
2. May I decrease and Your Spirit increase in me, O God.
