Both in the Old and New Testaments, David is referred to as “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). This statement is indeed a very high compliment!
It is also a puzzling statement (especially when you consider the terrible sins David committed). How could a man who committed adultery and murder be called this?
It wasn’t because he caved to temptation.
- David’s sin with Bathsheba involved a process. First, it included lust (2 Samuel 11:2).
- After lusting, David inquired of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:3).
- Even though David knew that Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah, he still called for and had an affair with her (2 Samuel 11:4).
- Does not sin involve a process even today?
It wasn’t because he tried to cover his sin.
- After committing adultery, David’s problems were only beginning!
- Once David discovered that Bathsheba was pregnant, he then tried to cover his tracks.
- He wanted to make it seem that the child being born was Uriah’s (2 Samuel 11:6-13).
- When that didn’t work, David then set Uriah up to be killed in battle (2 Samuel 11:14-25). David was so corrupt that he even had Uriah deliver a letter (which contained this death sentence) to Joab!
- God saw every one of David’s attempts to cover his sins (2 Samuel 11:26-27).
It was because he sought after and embraced the things of God.
- About a year later, God sent Nathan (a prophet) to confront David and expose his wickedness. He told David a story that convicted and motivated him to repent (2 Samuel 12:1-13; Psalm 51).
- David’s example gives us all hope. Whenever we mess up, if we confess our sins and repent, God will forgive us.
- We serve a God of forgiveness and second chances!
Conclusion
David was willing to repent of his sin. Do you need to do the same?
