3 Minute Read
Prepare Your Heart
To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.
Read God’s Word
A Verse for Today
Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.
2 Samuel 12:13 (CSB): “David responded to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.’ ..”
Reflecting on God’s Word
It has been my observation that a vast majority of “Christians,” when confronted with a sin that they are committing, will either immediately deny it or get angry at the one who pointed it out.
That is in juxtaposition to how we read that David responded. So, let’s talk about it.
David had committed some heinous sins against God and his “neighbor.” He violated the two greatest commands when he had sex with another man’s wife, then had the man put to death on the battlefield, and then he tried to hide it all.
Nathan, a prophet with a spine, approached David and told the king a story. He talked about a man who had multiple sheep but took his neighbor’s only sheep to feed a friend who had come for a visit. David became infuriated (2 Samuel 12:5). Why? Because it’s easier to see sin in others than ourselves, isn’t it? It’s easier to get furious at other people’s sins while we cover up and excuse our own sins. So, Nathan wisely cornered David by allowing him to get angry at someone else before Nathan stuck his finger in David’s face and said, “You’re the one I’m talking about!”
In this way, David was free to get angry at a horrible injustice from the perspective of a third person. He wasn’t motivated to cover for the offense, just to recognize how wrong it was. And then Nathan thrust the knife of truth into his heart.
While David initially got angry (2 Samuel 12:5), he soon appears to have become humbled and convicted when he freely offered: “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:13a). If you want to read the heartwrenching prayer he offered up when Nathan confronted him, just read Psalm 51. David was utterly broken over his sin.
I believe that what I just wrote explains why the Bible calls King David “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). It wasn’t because he was blameless. It was because when he sinned, he knew how to repent, and he did so.
God isn’t looking for perfect people. Instead, He’s looking for people who will be honest about their sin struggles, repent at a very deep level, regain an enjoyable relationship with Him, and keep moving forward.
What about you? I know you break God’s laws because every single one of us does that. But are you honest with your sin struggles, and are you quick to feel conviction and then fall to your knees and express your heartfelt repentance to your God? I sure hope so.
Spend Time in Prayer
- Ask God to help you respond appropriately when confronted with your own sin.
- Is there any offense that you have not yet made right with God? Why not do that right now?
Going Deeper
If you want to dig a little deeper into why God saw David as a man after His own heart, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:
“How could David be considered a man after God’s own heart?”
Sharing
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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)
Matt’s Musings 