TEXT:

‘His advisers were amazed. “We don’t understand you,” they told him. “While the child was still living, you wept and refused to eat. But now that the child is dead, you have stopped your mourning and are eating again.”’ – 2 Samuel 12:21 The Living Bible

THOUGHT:

How many would like everything they have said or done publicly recorded for all to see? How many pages would they dread other people reading? This was the case with King David. His mighty and fearless acts are recorded in the Bible together with his mistakes, especially the ones God regarded as too serious to overlook. Read 2 Samuel 11:1 – 12:25 to understand exactly what happened. From that account I want to highlight the following.

• The devil will find work for idle hands

When you are not doing what you should be doing, you can end up doing what you should not be doing! This incident occurred at springtime when kings fight their battles, but this king stayed at home leaving his general to take charge. With nothing to do while waiting for reports from the frontline, he yielded to temptation.

• Be careful, for what is done in secret can suddenly be made public

David’s adultery with Bathsheba was bad enough but then he tried to cover up her unwanted pregnancy. Neither Uriah her husband nor commander Joab were aware of David’s true motives when he sent a letter to the battlefield. After all in war there are always unfortunate casualties and the king’s closest advisors were used to seeing those who had fallen out of favour disposed of ruthlessly. Only God knew, as He knows the secrets of every heart. What David thought he had cleverly hidden God decided was time to be exposed.

• The same God that promised blessing also demanded accountability

Nathan the prophet was David’s spiritual advisor who had previously spoken of God’s favour towards the king that his descendants would reign a long time. Now the same prophet is commanded to challenge the king saying, “You are the man who has sinned and the baby will die as a result.” Nathan also knew that a wrong reaction from David to this uncovering of sin would endanger his life too. The Old Testament reveals that being a prophet was not easy, especially when challenging kings who sin wilfully.

• Our reaction to God’s discipline reveals what is really in our heart

How did David react to being found out?

He confessed – ‘I have sinned’

No trying to shift the blame or make excuses. The Bible says, ‘All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ – Romans 3:23. Yet far too many people try to justify themselves to avoid saying, “I have sinned!”

He cried

Not as a baby but as a believer in the Living God. He wept not only for his sin but for the life of his baby. He knew from history that God could change His mind as He did with Moses and the Children of Israel. While the baby was still alive he fasted and prayed in the hope of obtaining mercy.

He changed

His servants feared telling him the baby had died because of his intensity of anguish and feared he might commit suicide. Once David knew that the baby was dead, he got up from the floor, washed, changed his clothing, anointed himself and went into God’s presence to worship. This is what made him a true believer and a man after God’s own heart. Life goes on and it was time for him to start living again accepting God’s discipline. The number of people we have met when evangelising in Saltash who cannot let go of the past. They blame God for their tale of woe and are still crying over what happened years ago, unable to enjoy life today. As one preacher said, “You cannot unscramble eggs!” It is time to stop crying and start living.

• When we honestly own up to our past, God will bless our future

Another child is born and Nathan the prophet is sent by God again to David with a message. I am sure that David feared more discipline and judgment, but this time God said, “Call this baby, “Beloved of the Lord”.” God will not be angry forever. He is not looking for ways to punish us but to bless. Jesus has taken the punishment for our sins but there may be consequences we have to face up to. The one thing God wants us to know is that He loves us and wants our future to be glorious.

Not everyone will experience the uncovering of their sin like David did. For that we can be eternally thankful. If today there are things hidden that you know are wrong why not bring them into the open before God? He has promised, ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and trust to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness’ – 1 John 1:9.