“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” -1st John 1:9 (NKJV)
Most of us know the account of David and Bathsheba.
In 2nd Samuel 11, King David sent Joab, his military general, out with the Israelite army to fight their enemies. One evening, he, King David, got up from his bed and walked around the roof of the palace. From the roof, he saw the beautiful Bathsheba bathing; he sent for her, and slept with her, knowing that she was Uriah’s wife, one of his soldiers.
Bathsheba became pregnant, and David attempted to cover up his indiscretion. He sent for Uriah, who was on the battlefield, to come home, hoping he would sleep with his wife. But Uriah did not, so David arranged for Uriah to be placed at the front of the battle, where he was killed, leaving him (David) free to marry Bathsheba; she became his wife.
David is now guilty of adultery, manipulation, and deception. He also misused his power as King. But significantly, he believed he had concealed it all, but God saw, just as He sees what you and I do today.
It behooves us not to manipulate, deceive, or take advantage of anyone, especially if we are in a position of authority. May we never be perpetrators of injustice, in Jesus’ name.
We give thanks to God; King David’s story did not end there. David confessed, “…I have sinned against the Lord” (2nd Samuel 12:13, NKJV). This was a confession of the heart. He subsequently asked God to create in him a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him (Psalm 51:10).
Real and complete restoration requires the truth to be spoken, my brothers and sisters. It allowed King David to be shown mercy, even though there were consequences to his sin.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I thank You that You forgive us of all our sins. Help us to have pure hearts that follow hard after You. May we strive to please You in our conduct. Keep us from evil thoughts and actions. May we never cause harm and pain to others in our encounters and/or deliberations with them. May our lives bring honour and glory to You, in Jesus Mighty name, Amen.
Read: Ezekiel 36:26; Matthew 5:8
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 25:11-20; 1 Timothy 4; Jeremiah 40:7-16; Jeremiah 41; Jeremiah 42