David is a well known King in the history of mankind. Love him or hate him, his story has a lot to offer to those who are seeking God. He led a life of victory, trials and tribulations. He walked with God.
…The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people…
1 Samuel 13:14
God picked David. He knew that David was going to mess up big time, but yet He picked him. Maybe because God also knew that David would repent and accept consequences with faithfulness and humility. Examine Psalm 51:4 and notice that David does not expect God to change His just and righteous ways.
Against You, You only, have I sinned,
Psalm 51:4
And done this evil in Your sight—
That You may be found just when You speak,
And blameless when You judge.
I have heard people underscore the unthinkable crimes committed by David, but in my mind we all commit unthinkable crimes to varying degrees. Some of these maybe subtle in our perception, like slinking away from our responsibilities and priorities or judging others in private. Others maybe serious like murder, etc., But all these are against God. Where do we expect God to draw the line when He judges us?
“This sin I committed God was OK because it was done in private and it did not hurt anyone. But David, he is no good. I am so much better than him”.
“This other thing God, I have always shown up to church and taken communion, I am so much better than that drunk there who barely shows up to church”.
I can go on about how we think that we are spiritually higher than our fellow brothers & sisters in Christ. Wrong, we are not. We are as bad as David. The only good thing about his story and our story is that God is good and will stay good all the way to eternity.
I hope David’s story kindles in you today
- evidence of God’s benevolence and mercy
- God’s ability to change an ugly situation into something beautiful ( birth of King Solomon from David and Bathsheba)
- a desire to be as faithful as David and a deep knowing that God has our best interest. He will forgive if we repent and will bear with us the consequence of our action. He died for our sins, why would He not walk along side us through thick and thin?
I would recommend to those that dislike David to look at him as a model God gave us to demonstrate how to repent and be faithful to Him. This story should bring out characteristics of God that may get concealed while we are judging David. In this story, we should see a devoted Father in God Almighty. One that will not abandon an errant child. One that will love His son with an everlasting love. One that will not spare the rod to spoil the child. One that provides constant guidance.
We have an awesome God who will keep His promises and never fail to protect or discipline us. He is a parent we should all strive to be. Perfect, loving and generous.
Dear God,
Your benevolence is refreshing to a sinner like me. Thank You for Your rod and staff. Grant me the ability to cherish Your correction as much as Your protection. May I walk in obedience to You and bring You glory. I pray all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.