2 Samuel 8-11

David reaches superstar status in 2 Samuel 8-11.  Life is good in Israel.  God is with David, giving him victory wherever he goes.  David is doing things right with God, and he works hard to show kindness to others.  David is a great role model and leader for God's people.  The man has it going on, if you know what I mean.  And then, it happens.  David really blows it on a very personal level, and we know the consequences will be far reaching.  

The same man who humbles himself in prayer and gives God all the credit for his blessings really messes up with another woman in today's reading.  David sins in a big way.  It's ugly, and God isn't happy.

David and Bathsheba.  The whole Israelite army is off at war, and David finds trouble.  It started as an innocent glance, but quickly spun out of control to an affair that ruins lives.  

The truth is, all of us blow it sometimes.  God loves us.  He fills us with His blessings and promises, and we mess up.  Sin is part of our human nature. 

And because it is, let's just dissect David's sin in a plain and simple way.  Let's see how his mistakes can give us strength and understanding for our own lives...

• Who?  David, beloved by God, a God-fearing and faithful servant, a son, a brother, a friend, a husband, a shepherd, a mighty warrior in God's army, God's chosen leader, King of a God's own people, a man blessed by God, living in God's favor, full of God's promises for his life

• What?  messed up, sinned, acted unfaithfully, broke God's rules, was dishonest, hurt others, had an innocent man killed and others were killed in the process

• Where? in his home, alone, behind closed doors 

• When?  in the heat of the moment, while the rest of the Israelite army was away at war, most kings are at war too

• Why?  we are all naturally sinful people, David followed his own way, his emotions and natural reactions determined his behavior, he didn't think about God or the consequences of his choices

When you look at David's sin in this way, what insights do you gain for your own life? 

Awareness is the first step to God's redeeming grace.  

Sin changes our lives, but it doesn't have the power to change who we are as believers in Christ.  We are God's beloved children, no matter what.

We'll read more on what happens after the mess up tomorrow...so stay-tuned.

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

I thank You for loving me, and I am so grateful for Your redeeming grace.  Forgive my sins, Lord.  Make me aware of the ways I need to change for You.  And when I stray from Your path, give me the courage and the faith to turn back to You.

Your are my Lord and Savior, my Redeemer, always.  I want to be defined by Your love and purpose for me.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen

Grace,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.