This chapter is RICH in showing the truth concerning sin, revelation, repentance, forgiveness, and restitution. That is why I am moving so slowly almost verse to verse. Some chapters can be covered in one post. But this one, this chapter is amazing!
Verses 24-25 reveal a profound truth about God's forgiveness after true repentance. Although David and Bathsheba began their relationship in detestable sin, they are seen in God's eyes as husband and wife with a new beginning. It is as if the past had never happened! "Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. And the Lord LOVED him." (Verse 24) The Lord loved him??? Wait a minute, did anyone just read about the affair and murder? Did not God punish David by causing his first child with Bathsheba to die? So why does God love Solomon? Why does the bible speak so easily about Bathsheba being David's wife? The answer: God forgives COMPLETELY! Not only does He forgive, He refuses to remember our past sins!! "For I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more." Jeremiah 31:34. Yes, there is consequences for our sin. Chastisement will happen and praise God for it. But, God doesn't hold our sin against us for the rest of our lives. We can move on from where our sinful choices have brought us. God will make all things, including our sin, work for our good.
Divorce is sin. God hates it. And it is so prevelent in our society. I myself have experienced it as so many other have. It's painful, destructive and a rebellion against God's plan. BUT, for those who remarry and are unsure of whether God honors their second, third or even fourth marriage, look at David and Bathsheba. They started in an extramarital affair! David murdered her husband for goodness sake! Yet, becuase David was truly repentent, when David takes Bathsheba to be his wife, God honored their union and loves and blesses their son Solomon. I believe God chose to bless Solomon to show us how complete His forgiveness truly is. God sees David, Bathsheba, and Solomon as if the past never happened. It's been erased, to be remembered no more!
This may be hard for some of us to swallow. Maybe it's because we have yet to learn what it is to truly forgive someone else. Maybe it's because we cannot find a way to forgive ourselves. Whatever sin you have committed in your past, no matter how shameful and evil it may have been, God forgives COMPLETELY. Just look at David. Look at Paul the Apostle. Paul called himself the chief among sinners, yet God completely forgave HIM. But it doesn't stop there. Not only does He forgive, He sees you as if your sin never happened!!! Do you know how freeing that concept is?? Do you see the freedom God's grace can bring?
Repent, turn away from your sin, ask for forgiveness, and you WILL be COMPLETELY forgiven! But expect a spanking. That's a good thing. Then watch as God can use you as if the past had never happened!! Praise God!
Have a wonderful day!! Walk in His forgiveness today, ok?
I have never heard it preached that way.
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