2 Samuel 11:1-15 is one of the saddest phases of David’s life. Having reached a level of success and complacency he stupidly succumbs to temptation after spying on Bathsheba from a distance. As Sir Walter Scott, Scottish author & novelist, (1771 – 1832) once penned "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!"The sermon can be found here.
Some thoughts to ponder
1. Our temptations may not be the same as David’s, nor our station in life be as prominent as that which David had attained, but whenever we compromise on our beliefs it creates waves. What are our personal struggles?
2. David fell badly and went through a process of denial before there could be restoration. Are there areas in our own lives where we struggle to face the truth of our situation?
3. Through repentance the unexpected took place. God forgave David. For sure there was a price that he paid for his wrongdoing, but the final word rested with God. Be assured that our God is in the business, not of condemnation, but rebuilding. Because Christ died for our sins, there truly is hope for us all to overcome whatever may drag us down.
Psalm 51 includes the introduction "To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba." It is one of the greatest prayers of repentance in the whole Bible. Here’s some excerpts from ‘The Message’ transliteration by Eugene Petersen. It’s a wonderful prayer that we can all relate to.
"Generous in love—God, give grace! Huge in mercy—wipe out my bad record. Scrub away my guilt, soak out my sins in Your laundry. You're the One I've violated, and You've seen it all. You have all the facts before You; whatever You decide about me is fair.
Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life. Soak me in Your laundry and I'll come out clean, scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life. Tune me in to foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to dancing. God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God, and I'll sing anthems to Your life-giving ways. Unbutton my lips, dear God; I'll let loose with Your praise.
Going through the motions doesn't please You, a flawless performance is nothing to You. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice"
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It's funny, when I was growing up, this story wasn't mentioned much, or preached on. Too scandalous, I'm guessing. But for me, it's one of the great hopeful stories of the Bible (or as hopeful as a story of rape, murder and infant death can be). It's like to the story of Jacob, which reads like a soap opera, but God brought the people Israel out of him. No matter what kind of mess we are, God can use us.
ReplyDeleteTo me one of the aspects of the Scriptures that gives them a sense of authenticity is the fact that the faults and failings of people of faith are not edited out!
ReplyDeleteAs I read this, bits of a song by the Christian duo Out of the rey (called "Come Clean") came to mind: "No this inside of this stained glass cup never really does seem to come clean, So you cover me with Jesus, and you see me just like He is, and I'm confident and tremble in Your presence once again! When I come to You I come clean..." I find this story a comforting one when I feel like I've finally messed it all up to the point where it can never be repaired...
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