The past weekend in worship Katie brought a message of redemption. In our devotional time we will be taking a look at the journey of King David and his journey from fall to redemption and eventually restoration.
MONDAY Samuel 11:1-27
Dazzled by Bathsheba’s beauty, David seized her for his own pleasure, though she was married to one of his loyal soldiers. To cover his role in her pregnancy, he first tried to manipulate, and then killed, her husband Uriah.
• Once David veered off course, each step seemed to flow almost logically from the one before it. Our self-made wildernesses seldom spring full-grown from one huge mistake, but get worse and worse as we try to avoid the results of earlier errors. Have you ever felt trapped in a course of action that seemed to just keep getting worse? What does it take, for David or you, to stop the sequence and move back toward God’s path?
TUESDAY 2 Samuel 12:1-14
As we read yesterday, King David masterminded a terrible series of events. God used one of David’s closest friends and advisers, Nathan the prophet, to hold him accountable.
• At first, David only seemed interested in covering up his sin. But after Nathan helped David see what he’d done, we read David’s response: “David confessed to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ Nathan replied, ‘Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you …’” (verse 13). David’s deeds were horrible, with severe consequences, yet even David’s sins were not beyond the reach of God’s grace. What does it tell you about God that he forgave David? Is there anything in your life you feel you should own up to and confess to God?
WEDNESDAY Psalm 51:1-10, 32:1-5
David turned away from his reckless, destructive course after Nathan’s challenge. Psalm 51 reflects the profound spiritual dynamic involved in setting aside excuses, and taking ownership of his errors in order to accept God’s forgiveness and renewed peace. Psalm 32 addressed the inner emptiness that came from concealing what he had done, and the freedom and release that came with letting go of the cover-up mindset.
• Do you find it hard to acknowledge to yourself, others or God that certain things were wrong? Think of times when you have repented (a word that means “turn around, change direction”) and felt your load lighten. What was the experience like to trust in God’s grace, and find the freedom and relief the psalmist described in Psalm 32:5?
THURSDAY 2 Samuel 15:1-16, 16:15-17:14
David’s repentance and God’s forgiveness did not wipe out all the consequences of David’s wrong actions with Bathsheba. David’s self-inflicted wound cost him many people’s respect. Absalom, one of his sons, led a major revolt, exploiting that lesser public regard for David
• Absalom was a clever politician, with a knack for telling everyone in his “audience” exactly what they wanted to hear. As you read the account of his “campaign” for the kingship, do you believe he would have been able to keep all of the promises he made to people? Is it possible to offer straight talk and honesty, and yet to work effectively with a variety of people? When have you done this, or seen it done?
FRIDAY 2 Samuel 18:1-18, 18:31-19:8 David’s costly, painful victory
David organized his loyal soldiers to resist Absalom’s rebellion. He did plead with them not to hurt his son. His veteran fighters beat Absalom’s army, and Joab brutally ignored David’s wish. David’s self-inflicted weakness in the end brought him the shattering grief of losing Absalom, the son he loved despite his disloyalty.
• Absalom listened to the wrong advice, chose a poor spot for his inexperienced army to fight in, and left himself helpless by his panicky riding. The man who had built himself a big stone monument (chapter 18:18) ended up dead beneath a big pile of stones. How could so poor a leader fool so many people? How can God’s principles help you make wise choices in which leaders you follow?
SATURDAY 1 Chronicles 28:1-10, 29:1-9, 2 Samuel 23:1-5
• In Mandela: The Authorized Biography, the great South African leader said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but rising every time we fall.” His words characterize David well. What did it take for you to rise up after the worst falls you have taken? What choices can you make every day that will help you live with the same kind of spiritual trust and psychological resilience that David showed?