For October 16, 2026
Every Decision is Important by Greg Holmes, D.MIN – Director of Missions serving 17 churches
DAVID , the “man after God’s own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22), had significant times when he failed to follow God’s will, with disastrous results. David erred greatly, and sinned far worse, when he sent Joab, one of his military generals, out to count the fighting men of Israel in preparation for war. What he apparently saw as a wise precaution the Lord saw as a critical lack of faith. As a result, God sent the prophet Gad to him to let him choose his appropriate punishment from one of three terrible options. David made his decision. “So the Lord sent a plague on Israel from that morning until the end of the time designated, and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beersheba died.” (2 Sam. 24:15) David repented of his sin. “I am the one who has sinned and done wrong. Let your hand fall upon me and my family.” (2 Sam. 24:17b) Finally, as the plague reached Jerusalem, God relented. “On that day Gad went to David and said to him, “Go up and build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” (2 Sam. 24:18)