So many of us have committed wrongs in our life that seem absolutely out of character for us. Something so horrible that we shudder when the memory presents itself to us again. One thing, or a series of events, that seem abstract from our natural lives. An odd sense of perception tries to convince us that it really couldn't have happened and we couldn't have been to blame. Yet, there is always a sense of guilt that reminds us of the reality of the situation. Perhaps we haven't shared this mistake, or mistakes, with even our closest family members or friends. No one may know, but still the memories are there.
No character in the Bible is more intimately known than David. From humble shepherd to great king, his life is chronicled with amazing depth. The information about his character, beliefs, and emotional being is so inclusive that it is easy to get a sense of David's real personality. And yet, King David once found himself in a situation that seemed to be totally out of character. The great King of Israel committed a trespass against God and humanity that should have resulted in death. In a spontaneous moment of exalted ego, David forced his desires upon Bathsheba. Not only did he rape a married woman, but later sacrificed her husband's life in order to cover his own misdeeds. By God's own law, and David's own order, he should have paid the ultimate price: "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth."
Yet, there was redemption for David. In a time where grace had not yet been given, David sought God and found mercy. Because he was a "man after God's own heart," David could seek forgiveness in a way that most of his contemporaries could not. We see in the book of Psalms a mournful prayer for forgiveness that David penned shortly after this horrible event.
"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according to the multitude of they tender mercies blot out my transgressions." (Psalm 51:1) David could see the severity of his actions and how his exalted pride had mired his heart and soul. "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." (Psalm 51:10,11)
David knew that his only option was to cast himself upon the mercy of our forgiving Creator. He did not put on a facade of righteous and try to justify his actions. He did not try to "minimize" how horrible a thing he had done. David was not looking for excuses, he was looking for mercy; and because he came to God with a "broken heart and a contrite spirit," God met him with redemption.
None of us were born perfect. Each human being, no matter how nice, innocent, or naive they appear, are capable of committing terrible sins. The guilt of past mistakes that we carry are secrets that each of us have. God will not accept any person that puts on a show of righteousness. We must come before Him as David did: acknowledging our wrong and clinging to His mercy. |
