Weekly Reflections for the week of June 22, 2014:
We live in a broken world where even the greatest of heroes fall – and when they do it’s a tragedy for everyone in their wake. David was such a hero – yet never was his strength so powerfully channeled as the day he sought forgiveness for the broken acts he committed.
Monday-Read 1 Samuel 16
What are some things that you already notice about David that set him apart from the rest?
What specifically did God see in David that God did not see in David’s brothers?
What does this tell us about what God values? What would you say is the condition of your heart?
Tuesday-Read 1 Samuel 17
What do you notice about David’s character from his encounter with Goliath?
Why was he able to face the giant when everyone else hid in fear?
What specific character quality do you see in David that you would like to have more of in your own life?
Wednesday-Read 2 Samuel 11
The same David that killed the giant is the same David that murdered Uriah and sexually assaulted Bathsheba. How could a “man after God’s own heart” do such a thing?
What character flaws led David to commit such a crime?
How does David’s fall serve as a warning for you?
Thursday-Read 2 Samuel 12:1-15
This passage serves as a reminder that sin is eventually found out. In what ways do you see David trying to deal with his repressed guilt?
What are some of the consequences of David’s fall?
In the face of David’s failure God still offers him grace (verse 13).
Why doesn’t God’s grace keep us from facing the consequences of our actions?
Friday-Read Psalm 51
David wrote this Psalm after he was confronted by the prophet Nathan. What does this powerful lament have to teach us about the nature of confession and repentance?
In verse 12 David asks God to grant him a willing spirit to sustain him. What does that mean, and why would David need God to do that for him?
According to this Psalm what would you say is the ultimate goal of repentance?
Saturday-Read Isaiah 43-44:5
These words were originally spoken to the people of Israel while they were exiled in Babylon because of their unfaithfulness to God, but it serves as a powerful word to all of God’s people about the depth of God’s forgiveness. What fresh new perspective does this passage offer you about God’s forgiveness in the face of your brokenness?