The end of chapter 11 makes it clear the God was displeased with David. Yet, chapter 12 is a truly wonderful picture of God's love for him in the face of David's hatred towards God. God sends Nathan, His prophet, to confront the king. Nathan uses a parable about a rich man who takes the poor man's one treasured ewe lamb to feed a hungry traveler. David is filled with righteous indignation at this rich man! He cries out for justice! He's probably ready to send out his own guard to capture this man and bring him to justice when Nathan boldly says, "You are the rich man!" Through Nathan, God reminds David of all that He had given him and yet David was not satisfied. God says, "You DESPISED me". Wow! How could this be? David loved God! He fellowshipped with Him in the fields as a shepherd. He wrote songs of praises to the Lord. Yet, God says that David despised Him.
When I think of the word "despised", I equate it with "hatred". God tells David that his actions, his sin, showed hatred towards God. The converse is seen in John 14:15 when Jesus says, "If you love me you will obey what I command." When we disobey, we show hatred towards God. That is exactly what God tells David here in chapter 12. "But I don't hate God!", I protest. I'm a christian! I love Jesus! But the Holy Spirit whispers in response, "Oh, but there is a part of you called 'sinful nature' that does in fact hate Me." When I see it that way, I get angry! Good! I should stay angry at my flesh! As Paul teaches, we are in a constant battle with our flesh! I must crucify it daily for my sinful nature is the enemy of God. And when I give in to it, my actions or inactions show hatred of my loving Lord. Hard to accept, but true.
But look and see what happens when David sees himself as that rich man...exposed, naked in his sin. David says, "I have sinned against the Lord." He REPENTS! He doesn't make excuses. He stops trying to deceive. He simply acknowledges his sin "against" the Lord, his acts of rebellion and hatred of God. Then, LOOK, LOOK! What is God's response? "The Lord has taken away your sin." HALLELUJAH! God erased David's sin! David deserved both physical and spiritual death, BUT GOD promises he would not die. Immediate repentence brings immediate forgiveness! Praise the Lord! Oh how gracious is our God, how merciful He is towards us!
I also believe this is why God chose David and rejected Saul to be the eternal kingdom from which would come the messiah, Jesus Christ. Certainly, there is room for theological debate on this point. But there is undeniably a clear distinction between Saul and David. While they both sinned against the Lord and both were confronted by God concerning their sin, David repented immediately but Saul made excuses and tried to rationalize his actions (See 1 Samuel 13:13).
Nevertheless, how relieved must David have been to hear those words, "The Lord has taken away your sin." In spite of the hatred shown towards God, David is forgiven! The same goes for us today. Never forget. God...responds....to....repentence. He loves a repentent heart. His mercy searches for a repentent heart. Count it a blessing when our sin is exposed. Take ownership of it. And be at God's mercy. It never fails. It is constant and everflowing.
But with all sin, consequences do follow. Chastisement must occur for us to grow and learn. A spanking is not a bad thing. It's one of the greatest expressions of love. And over the next several chapters, we will see just how hard David gets spanked. It's not a pretty thing. But I can say with assurance, David would gladly take the consequences and chastisement to come ten fold over, than face eternal separation from God. A separation that we all deserve.
Father, expose every sin in my life. Let me clearly see my shortcomings and faults. I have sinned against you. And I am so sorry. Forgive me in the name of Jesus. Let me accept your loving discipline with understanding.
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