David, son of Jesse, great-grandson of Boaz (married Ruth), descendant of Abraham, and ancestor of the Messiah. This is the David who was the shepherd who fought the giant Goliath, the poet who wrote many of the beautiful songs of worship in Psalms, and the man described as a man after God’s own heart. Unfortunately, this is also the David who had an affair with Bathseba and then murdered his mistress’ innocent husband to cover his sin.
A man after God’s heart and a murderer? Amazing grace.
We find David’s story in 2 Samuel where we get to witness David becoming king of Judah and then king of all of Israel as he unites the divided land. The first part of 2 Samuel shows David’s successes and his praises to God. We see David’s courage, generosity, patience, and faithfulness to God during this time of his life. In 2 Samuel 7, Nathan, David’s adviser and prophet of God, tells David that God has chosen his family line for the birth of the Jesus. Unfortunately with all of this great opportunity and success, we also witness major missteps and lapse in judgment. David has an affair with probably one of the most infamous women in the Bible, Bathsheba, also known as Uriah’s wife. Check out Jesus’ genealogy again in Matthew 1…yep-Bathsheba is an ancestor of Jesus!
What I love about David’s story is what is also imperative for all of us to do when we fall short, and oh, do I fall short often. We must come to Him and ask. Ask for forgiveness and for a new spirit.
We witness David in the dark hours of his life fall at the feet of God and proclaim that he has made terrible mistakes and begs for forgiveness for his deeply regretted, shameful decisions. Now, if you read 2 Samuel 12 where Nathan confronts David about his actions, scripture says David replied with “I have sinned against the Lord.” Doesn’t seem very heartfelt does it? But David wrote Psalm 51 during this incident, and although David still suffered the consequences for his sin (death of his son), he was forgiven and made right in the sight of God. David’s Psalm is a beautiful plea for forgiveness and to be in the presence of God. If you have time read the whole thing-you will not regret it. Here’s a little of David’s heart…
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions…
Create in me a new heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do no cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Oh what a sweet God who sent His Son through David and Bathsheba, through Boaz and Ruth, through Rahab, through Judah and Tamar, Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham. These beautifully imperfect people that we have met this week brought us to the birth of Jesus who came to save me. To save you. To save His children.
God, forgive me where I have fallen short and may you create in me a new heart and an unwavering, committed spirit. I long to be in Your presence, in Your love, in Your joyous salvation. Give me a spirit that is willing, eager, and ready to serve and love You.
Shared with love,
Lindsay
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