Can you find me in this pic? 🙂

2 Samuel 12

Nathan has confronted David with his horrendous sins of sexual abuse of power, lying, deceit and cold-blooded murder of a noble, innocent warrior and servant of God. Through Nathan, God says to David, I made you king, I gave you all power and possessions of the kingdom AND I would have added to you many more things like these! The heart of God is to give. To give and give and give to those he loves and has called. So God basically says, I gave to you and you despised me in return. Makes no sense. V9 says, “Why have you despised the word of the Lord by doing evil in His sight?”

One thing done right

Now, in this whole mess, there is only one thing that David does right, and this is what separates him from his predecessor, Saul. David’s first words after being confronted are “I have sinned against the Lord.” The same heart that devised this evil plan and despised God and His Word is the same heart that now exhibits humble contrition by saying, “I have sinned against the Lord.” This type of internal contradiction has happened to me, in lesser degrees, and probably you too. I’m sure you’ve said to yourself what I have said, “WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? YOU IDIOT!” The same heart within us that allows us to sin is the same heart that weeps and mourns over the stupid and sinful things that we do. That’s the battle between our flesh and the Spirit of God within us.

Consequences and Condemnation

Now, let’s get to condemnation (eternal hell and judgement) and consequences (reaping in life what we sow). David’s flesh-driven sins will produce dire earthly consequences in his life.  But David’s heart of confession and contrition will bear the avoidance of eternal condemnation. Here’s the climatic statement of consequences and condemnation: “Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The Lord has taken away your sin; you shall not die. (No condemnation, whew, but wait…). “However, the child born to you shall surely die.” There will be consequences to his sins, but there will be no condemnation. This is the stunning reality of the saving grace of Jesus.

No Condemnation

In all religions, favor with God is based on one’s actions. Not so for those of us “in Christ.” Relish this thought…“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus,” Romans 8:1. Pastors are sometimes hesitant to emphasize this biblical truth because they fear their people will abandon their constraint to live well. Unfortunately, that’s pastoral-malpractice. The truth is that for those who are “in Christ” a restraint is built into our DNA as new creatures in Christ. Sometimes our restraint is weakened, as in this case with David. But when confronted, our restraint is re-engaged and it triggers the correct response; “I have sinned against God. Forgive me!” Let’s breath a prayer of gratitude toward Christ for His work on the cross to bear ALL our sins and to bear ALL our condemnation. Let us also thank the Holy Spirit, our built-in restraint. Let us give much attention to the work of the Spirit in our lives. He is with us, He whispers to us, He holds us back, He also pushes us forward. He works best within the sphere of a tender conscience. Don’t allow your conscience to build up callouses. Keep your conscience tender and responsive by nourishing on God’s Word, prayer, worship and the accountability of Godly friends. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. Amen!