From Ben – 10 April 2016
In my private devotional time I have been reading and reflecting on the O.T. books of 1 & 2 Samuel. It has been an interesting and challenging spiritual journey to revisit those stories that played such a crucial part in the formation of Israel as a nation.
I have been fascinated once again, how God dealt with David in his ups and downs as Israel’s most illustrious king. One of the things that caught my attention was God’s mercy and kindness to David, despite his dismal failure, especially when he slipped so low as to take Uriah the Hittite’s wife, despite the fact that he had other wives of his own.
As you may well know, the child conceived by his shameful adultery died soon after birth, but their second child survived to become the wisest and richest king in Israel’s history. His name was Solomon, the man people travelled from all over to hear speak and marvel at his insights and knowledge.
As I reflected on this man, I was reminded of God’s grace and mercy. God did not judge David’s family and relegate them to oblivion, but rather, after David’s repentance and remorse, God elevated David’s family to leadership and legendary fame. This tells me that our God is slow to anger and abounding in love. He forgives and gives a second chance. How comforting to know that this is the nature of the God we call Father.