WHEN WE ARE NOT WHERE WE SHOULD BE

PROCLAMATION

“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, Joab led out the armed forces. … but David remained in Jerusalem. …”  1 Chronicles 20:1 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

This was the time of year when the kings of the various countries led their armies into battle.  This time King David chose not to lead his army into battle.  He chose to remain in Jerusalem and let Joab lead the army.  Although it is not recorded here in First Chronicles, it is recorded in The Bible Book of Second Samuel that this is the time when David sinned by sleeping with Bathsheba the wife of Uriah the Hittite. (2 Samuel 11:1-5)  First Chronicles records the history of the Israelites but it is written from a different perspective and does not focus on David’s sin.  It does note that at this time King David was not with his army where he should have been.

APPLICATION

It is often noted that bad things happen to us when we are in the wrong place at the wrong time.  When we are not where we are supposed to be, we frequently get into trouble.  It is easier for the devil to tempt us to sin when we are in the wrong place, with the wrong crowd, or with the wrong person.  We should carry our Bible with us wherever we go, or have The Bible app on our cell phone, so that when we have some “down time” we can read God’s Holy Word.  We are less likely to sin if we spend more time reading and studying The Bible.  We should also pray before we go anywhere or hang out with our friends.  We are less likely to be in the wrong place if we follow God’s guidance and direction.