Day 133 – 2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Chronicles 20

Talking Points

• The account starts, “Then it happened” (2 Samuel 11:1). It was a great time. There was great success by the nation and personally for David. God had done mighty works, moving powerfully. And, “then it happened.” Sin always escalates faster and takes you further than you wanted to go.
• We should be clear, sin is despising the Word of the LORD and despising Him — nothing less.
• Responsible for the death of a man of great integrity, David starts the natural process of covering up. Having carried out his plan, he marries Bathsheba and moves forward. Yet, as with all sin, God knew. “But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD.” (2 Samuel 11:27).
• When confronted, David owns up to his sin, repents, and seeks God’s forgiveness. God, in His astounding grace, forgives David. The sad truth remains, however, all sin brings consequences, even forgiven sin.

Thoughts

There are different kinds of worship. There is the worship that happens when you see the amazing, astounding works of God’s hands. This type of worship led David to pen, “O LORD, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth, Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!” (Psalm 8:1).

Then, there is the worship that flows forth when God blesses, protects, and aides your cause, acting mightily on your behalf. That caused David’s heart to say, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge” (Psalm 18:2).

And, then, there is the worship that occurs when you have been crushed in your sin, shamed in your sin, regretful to the core of your being, and then you find God’s forgiveness for that sin. In God’s grace, it is lifted, put away, set aside. In God’s grace, it is forever removed from your account. This is the type of worship I believe we find as David’s infant son dies. Heartbroken in remorse, David stands up, washes himself, changes his clothes, makes his way to the house of the LORD, and worships. It is a worship that is done in silence, instead of shouting. It is worship marked by tears, not triumph. It is worship done on bended knees, instead of in dancing. Fasting is more fitting that feasting. And, it may be the truest form of worship.

We are who we are, and it is not hidden. And, God is who He is, and it cannot be denied. Praise the LORD — He forgives sinners!