Submitted by Jan on Tue, 28/07/2015 – 10:38
Year B (2014-2015)
Bible Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 11
Verse: 12-26
Annoyance, fear, anger, denial, blame, indifference, tears? When confronted with unpleasant truth, how do you respond? Like King David when confronted with his own serious moral failings, do we fall on our knees in contrition before the Lord or do we continue in our selfish and conniving ways ignoring the soft ‘voice’ of the Holy Spirit’s conviction that we are not reflecting God’s heart in our actions? It is very easy to point out David’s sin of lusting after, coveting and stealing Uriah’s wife and then orchestrating Uriah’s death to cover up his own adulterous misbehavior. But what of our own selfish actions? Do we ever try to advance our cause at the expense of someone else? Are we ever guilty of jealousy, greed or lust? Do we ever disregard others, abandon our duties, engage in inappropriate relationships or view pornographic images? How do these sins affect our witness and our ability to lead?
Once a leader of a throng of worshippers, singing and dancing before the Lord, David now ignored the threat of battle and the needs of his brave and loyal army. Do we as worshippers and leaders stand idly by while those under our care suffer? Are we too busy with our own affairs to take the time to see or help those caught up in battles of injustice? Just as Nathan advocated for Uriah, we the members of the Body of Christ need to help and advocate for those in our communities who have been stigmatized, robbed of their jobs, unjustly treated because of their HIV status or marginalized without the care and services they need. (Micah 6:8) We must not tolerate abuse in our homes and community, unjust or unfair treatment of widows and orphans.
Oddly, despite David’s serious crimes of adultery and murder, his sincere repentance and acknowledgment of his sin was accepted and he was accorded forgiveness in the eyes of God. Can we also sincerely humble ourselves before God and whoever needs to witness our repentance so we, too, can be forgiven by God and so our fellowship with Him can be restored? Severe and lifelong consequences followed David’s actions; and yet God never abandoned him. Our sins and mistakes cannot separate us from the love of God. (Rom. 8:38,39) Can we along with David in Psalm 51 confess and ask God for his mercy, healing and cleansing from our sinful nature so that we can experience a renewed joy of salvation and deeper experience of His spirit to sustain us and guide us forward? With God’s help we can exchange our excuses for His empowerment. Then we will humbly, sensitively and competently fulfill the privilege He has given us to reflect His character of love, mercy and justice.
To think about: Are there any areas of your life that need to be confessed so that you may more clearly reflect the love, grace and justice of God?
Written By: Hope Carter, SIM missionary; Lecturer at Moffat Bible College, Kijabe, Kenya and Churches for Grace executive member. Trained Churches, Channel of Hope’ Facilitator.
Author: Carter H. H. (Ms)
Language: English