(Read Psalm 51)
This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing.” Let’s close out the week with a reflective message about David and what we have learned this week in the 51st psalm.
If I were to walk up to a Christian who is knowledgeable about the Word of God, who is not tracking this series, and I asked them about the David, their response would more-than-likely be positive. David is known for killing Goliath with a slingshot and a stone, for writing the 23rd psalm, for being the first king of Israel who was God’s choice, and amongst other things, for being the ancestor of Jesus. Jesus, our High Priest, did not come from the tribe of priests (Levi), but from the house of David within the tribe of Judah. So, by all accounts David was a mighty man of God and the New Testament calls him a man after God’s own heart. Actually, the Apostle Luke, in the book of Acts, says that the Lord Himself testified the following concerning David, “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do” (Acts 13:22). Was David God’s choice? Yes. Was he a man after God’s own heart? Apparently. Did he do everything the Lord wanted him to do? It seems so. Was David perfect? No, he was far from it. That’s the message of Grace. Grace was good news to David and it is great news to us.
David recovered from his episode with Bathsheba because he still wanted to pursue his purpose. God was not through with David, even though he committed a heinous act. God forgave David and He went on to use him by Grace. He will do the same for you. And like David, when your name goes down in the history books the Lord will be kind to you. God will highlight your strengths and minimize your weaknesses as a final act of His Grace towards you. What a mighty God we serve!
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. David was not perfect and God did not require him to be. Likewise, God does not require you to be perfect. God used David in spite of his imperfections and He will do the same with you.
2. Sin brought David, a reigning king, to his knees. Why? Because sin brings guilt, shame and torment. It is the same thing that caused Adam and Eve — a couple with Kingdom dominion, power and authority — to sew fig leaves together and hide from God. The guilt and shame of sin will strip you of your confidence towards God. Satan would love it if you remained in that state. But God, who is rich in mercy, is waiting for you to come back, and not only will He forgive you, but He will use you for His glory, by His amazing Grace!
3. After David’s terrible act he continued to pursue God and God continued to use him. David allowed God to wash the guilt, shame and condemnation off of him and his confidence towards God was restored. What will be your testimony? Will you allow your sin to ruin you for good, or will you receive forgiveness, allow God to restore your confidence, and seek to be used of God by Grace? Remember, He is not looking to use you because you are so good, He is looking to use you because He is so good. That’s Grace! Not just any Grace, it’s the Grace of God, and yes, it is amazing!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for Your Grace, mercy, goodness and kindness towards me. Like David, and like Adam and Eve, there have been occasions where I have allowed the guilt, shame and condemnation that comes from sin to strip me of my confidence. While I have been sin-conscious, wallowing in my sin, I lost my confidence towards You, my faith was weakened and wavered, my self-esteem was lowered, and my praise was hampered. But in this series I am learning that You never stopped loving me and You never stopped wanting to use me for Your glory. You want me use me because You are so good, not because I am. So I will stop living my life based on me, and what I seek to do for You. I will start living my life based on You, and what You want to do in, with and through me. The Law put emphasis on me and what I could do for You. Grace puts emphasis on You and what You want to do through me. I am under Grace and I shall keep my mind and heart set on You. I seek to live right in Your sight. I seek to abstain from even the appearance of evil. Sin has no power over me. I overcome evil with good. But on those occasions where I do mess up and sin, I shall not allow sin to dominate me or condemnation to control me. You knew I would sin and You chose me anyway. You knew I would mess up and You destined me inspite of it. So I am quick to repent, to receive the forgiveness Christ Jesus died to give me, and to move on by faith, under Your amazing Grace. I am a man/woman after Your own heart and I am determined to FIND, FOLLOW and FINISH my purpose before I die. Not because I am so good, but because You are! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
