The 2
Samuel account of King David’s life tells us how readily and harshly David
judges someone else’s actions, when the grievous sin Nathan intended to expose
was his own. However, David has one thing in his favor that's key to his redemption
from moral failure. David loved GOD.
When confronted David understood immediately that his real
transgression was against Almighty GOD, “I
have sinned against the Lord.” 2 Samuel
12:13. And in Psalm
51 David is totally transparent before GOD regarding his sin with Bathsheba
and truly contrite and broken when he asks for mercy and forgiveness.
David is able to go before the throne of grace with
confidence because he knows GOD. He may have lost his way for a bit but he remembers
that GOD’s character never changes – “(GOD) You
are loving...You are always ready to be merciful...” Psalm 51:1b-2
While it may not be possible for us to ask forgiveness of
everyone towards whom we behaved in a thoughtless and disrespectful manner, we are
always able to do so with GOD, and we must. And with the same humility and
sincerity as David does.
In the world’s view, making unfair and prideful judgments
of another’s behavior and motives is no big deal. But to GOD it is sin. We
would excuse it as not the same level as David’s adultery and murderous
cover-up, but all sin is disobedience to GOD’s will and He despises it all.
But for believers, there’s the good news!
Our judgment day has come and gone and GOD has set us free
to be his own beloved children, forever. We’re already forgiven in JESUS for every
godless act, so this is not a guilt trip we take on ourselves. This is
recognizing GOD’s working out our sanctification through the Holy Spirit. He
brings to our attention the things we can confess, repent of and turn away
from, to move us one step closer to being more like CHRIST.
This is grace!! It’s what David so desired of GOD for
himself, “Turn your face from my sins and
wipe out all my guilt. Create in me a pure heart, God, and make my spirit right
again.” Psalm 51:9-10
Conclusion
JESUS does not forbid judging but commands that we first
remove the big
piece of wood from our own eye and be sure that our consciences are clear
before we judge our brothers and sisters. He says we act as hypocrites when we
don’t hold ourselves to the same standards by which we judge others.
JESUS’ teachings should motivate us to live intentionally in
our relationships with others and with our Heavenly Father, instead of thoughtlessly
imitating the world’s norms (Matthew
22:37-40.)
And why should we obey JESUS?
He (JESUS) gave himself for us
so he might pay the price to free us from all evil and to make us pure people
who belong only to him—people who are always wanting to do good deeds. Titus 2:14
Choices we make, both big and small, matter to JESUS because
they bear consequences that will either hinder or develop us in our walk as
believers.
Prayer and Thanksgiving:
Holy Father, thank YOU for the written WORD
that teaches us how to live and also encourages us when we
fail so we’re not without hope. Thank you for YOUR
grace and mercy that’s always given in abundance to those who ask it of YOU. Thank YOU
that our sin no longer separates us from YOU because of the finished work of our Savior and LORD and our soon coming King, CHRIST
JESUS. We pray and ask all things in His NAME. Amen.
Always by God’s Word and prayer,
Cecile
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