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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Most kings would have wiped out the families of their rivals, but David showed kindness to Mephibosheth (2 Sam 9:3). I see your love in his actions, for you are a God who delights to show kindness. “I will rejoice and be glad in Your lovingkindness” (Ps 31:7 NASB) for “the earth is full of Your lovingkindness, O Lord” (Ps 119:64 NASB). I praise you today for your steadfast love to me! Today in Your Word Today you told me about David’s war with the Ammonites and his adultery with Bathsheba. When Nahash of Ammon died, David reached out to Hanun in a gesture of kindness and friendship. Hanun listened to bad advice and believed the worst of David’s ambassadors. He humiliated them and sent them away in shame. This shows me how easy it is to be suspicious of people and to question their motives. While I should be cautious and wise in my dealings with others, I should not assume their motives are evil. When Hanun realized his blunder, he refused to admit his mistake and spent an enormous sum of money preparing for war. This teaches me that it costs more to cover up an error than to admit it honestly. Rather than compound a mistake by being stubborn and defensive, I should seek forgiveness and reconciliation as soon as I realize my offense. After defeating Hanun’s hired army of Arameans (Syrians), Joab besieged the Ammonite capital city of Rabbah. David remained in Jerusalem during the siege, and one evening, as he was walking on the palace roof, he saw a beautiful woman taking a bath. Instead of turning away and resisting temptation, David watched her and then inquired about who she was. This teaches me the importance of fleeing temptation. I can’t keep myself from being tempted, but I can refuse to act on those desires (2 Tim 2:22; Jam 1:14–15). Reflection I’m sure David never dreamed that he would murder one of his own mighty men, yet that’s what happened when he tried to hide his sin rather than confessing and repenting. Is there any sin in my life that I’m trying to hide from you? Request Father, remind me that “whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Prov 28:13). Thanksgiving Thank you for telling me about David’s failures as well as his successes. I should learn from his mistakes and avoid making them in my own life. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “How David, When by Sin Deceived” — The Cyber Hymnal. Meditation Verse: 2 Samuel 11:11. |