From the time King David was a young shepherd protecting his father’s livestock by slaying lions and bears with a club and his hands, he remained a committed and courageous follower of God. We may ascertain that he was influenced by his parents and older brothers in good ways, and by God’s magnificent creation. He was never all that afraid because he was responsible and faithful to do the right thing, Blessed with a confident self-esteem, he was a talented composer, a brave warrior with good judgement, a fine-looking young man, and “the Lord [was] with him!” He told Goliath, “I come to you in the name of Heaven’s armies – the armies of Israel, Today the Lord will conquer you.” (1 Sam. 17:45). He was brave because he knew the Lord was watching over and guiding him. His was a firm trust in God’s powerful and fantastic promises.
Then, right in the middle of his wonderfully blest life, David committed adultery and murder! How could such a thing happen? What was he thinking? We’ve seen similar things occur in our own day and time. Even God’s people miscue, misjudge, and mess up at times. Thing is, David was quick enough to admit and repent. When Nathan confronted David about his gross iniquity, David simply admitted, “I have sinned against the Lord.” (For the moving prayer of his penitence, see Psalm 51.)
In the tempting heat of the moment David gave way to his powerful lust. And yet, because he didn’t hesitate to confess and repent, the Lord forgave him, but there would still be consequences to suffer. In the long run though, David proved to be “a man after God’s own heart” (I Sam. 13:14; I Kings 14:8; Acts 13:22).
You and I are just as apt to mess up (we already have a time or two, right?). Let’s be patient, empathetic, and encouraging toward one another. Don’t judge others and you won’t be judged (Mt. 7:1).
-John Driggers (12/4/2023, V5 #49)
