Psalms 51:10-12 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a
right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not
thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and
uphold me with thy free spirit.
David is called a “man after God’s own heart.” Considering
that he lusted after his neighbor's wife, committed adultery with her, and
had her husband murdered, the Lord's description of him is remarkable. How
could a man who was convicted a murderer and an adulterer also be called
one after God’s own heart?
The answer is simple but profound: God did not regard David
according to the actions of his sinful nature, but according to the deepest
motivations and disposition of his heart and will; and these were revealed
by David's response to the conviction which Nathan the prophet brought upon
him; a conviction which brought immediate total confession and repentance,
and a broken and contrite heart. This response exemplified the shepherd
king's walk with God throughout the entire journey of his life.
If, after David had fallen he made excuses, rationalized, or
resisted the clear message of his sinfulness it would have been a totally
different story. His heart would have revealed a self-justifying,
self-righteous attitude with no realization of his absolute need for God's
mercy. This would have defeated and defined him as a man after his own
heart. But the immediacy and completeness of David's confession qualified
him for the Lord's forgiveness and mercy, saving him from death and
restoring him to that most treasured relationship of his life, his
relationship with God.
The consequences of his sin were very serious and followed David
all the days of his life. But he demonstrated the genuineness of his
repentance by never railing against God for the troubles which followed him
as a consequence of his sin with Batsheva. David always rose up, submitted,
and humbly praised God, writing wonderful psalms and pouring out his heart
before the Lord. He served God and worshiped Him all his life. So the Lord
God didn’t reckon David’s life by his fall – but by his walk, and by
his heart.
We all stumble in many ways, but God does
not define us by our failures. It's our love for Him and our honesty before
Him that reveals a true walk of faith! So if you fell, you messed up, your
sin got the best of you, then come clean. Make your confession. Accept the
consequences without complaining, allow the Lord to forgive and restore you
completely, and continue on your journey with Him. That was David's heart.
His example is worthy to follow. May you also be one of those that lived
their life “after God’s own heart!”(George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah)
Laudetur Jesus Christus! From Jarrow's Tower: "Glorious St Bede Pray That We May Praise God For All Eternity" For God Our Lady And Saint Bede! A Voice And Springboard For Promoting Catholic Orthodoxy, Tradition, Truth And Christian Principles In South Tyneside! That The Voice Of Peter In The Person Of The Supreme Sovereign Roman Pontiff May Be Heard In These Uncertain Times: Tu Es Petrus!
29 October 2012
Afternoon Thoughts-It happened even to the best of them!:
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