“To err is human;
to forgive divine” it’s a famous quote I remember but can’t recall who said
it. Nevertheless it’s very profound
truth, a truth of the Gospel. Regardless
of how long you have walked with Christ, temptation will come to us all. Our precious Savior wasn’t even exempt from
temptation but He was without sin. (Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 2:18) It’s comforting to know Christ understands
our struggles, our weakness, but what’s really reassuring He is my
mediator. He is the One who stands in
the gap for me!
For
there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus. (I Timothy 2:5)
When no one else will stand in my defense,
Christ will. If Christ is the only One
who will stand with me, no one can defeat me. Our past can defeat our lives if we live there. We all have a
past, made mistakes, and desire for peace in our souls. Nevertheless, it’s hard to walk with a heart
of brokenness; we trip over every piece of it.
As we try to pick up those pieces, we realize it’s too much too
carry. We can’t lift our face, find no
peace, our strength is gone, and hope is fading fast. Sin weighs our spirits down; no peace will be
found until it’s nailed to the cross. A
blessed person is one who’s transgression is forgiven it’s been covered. (Psalm
32:1)
His heart is
labeled, “a man after God’s own heart” but David even faced failure in his
life. A prophetic promise, powerful
anointing, and kingship
didn’t prevent David’s choice to accept the lure of
temptation. He accepted the bait-hook,
line, and sinker. Besides destroying his
name, He brought reproach to the name of God.
(2 Samuel 12:14) It’s not easy to
walk through the consequences of sin but grace still overcomes. According to one of professors in college he said, “The three greatest temptations for those in ministry are sex, money, and
power.” It’s not only godly leadership
who are tempted with this dangerous trio; anyone who is in leadership must
protect their lives, their name, and others.
“A good name is better than riches” said the wise King Solomon. (Proverbs 22:1) A name tarnished with sin can
only be changed by grace. 
Can a fallen
leader or minister be restored? ABSOLUTELY!
It’s going to take repentance, accountability, and support from the body
of Christ. We are called to be ministers
of reconciliation; it’s the heartbeat of God. (2 Cor. 5:18) From the account in
2 Samuel 12:1-26, we learn some vital lessons about sin, the consequences of
sin, and restoration. Secret sin will
NEVER be a secret before God! So, God
can’t be fooled by anyone. It’s better
to come clean with God or He can send a messenger to your door! Nathan, the prophet, comes into David’s
presence to reveal the truth about his secret sins. First, God rebukes David’s actions; He doesn’t
support his wrong doings. (2 Samuel 12:9) Second, God reveals the consequences
for his actions and the aftermath. (2 Samuel 12:11-13; 12:14) Next, repentance had to be made, David
confesses and his life is spared. (2 Samuel 12:13) Lastly, the child conceived in sin was struck
with illness.
If we are truly
repentant over our sins; we will take the consequences. Sadly, so many people don’t understand that
our actions have consequences. It’s not
easy to watch the aftermath of a sinful choice we made. Whether it’s losing a job, an unexpected
child, destroying friendships or the trust of your family it’s hard to grasp
it. It’s truly a wake-up call! It’s not easy being the center of gossip or to
hear people’s accusations towards you. It’s a hard pill to shallow but grace lifts us
up and mercy helps us stand.
As David pleas,
fasts, and prays for the child through several nights, the child dies. Through the whispers of his servants, David
realizes the child is dead. It’s truly a
sad moment but David does something quite interesting.
Then David GOT UP
from the ground. After he had washed,
put on lotions, and changed his clothes, he WENT INTO THE HOUSE OF GOD and
WORSHIPPED. Then he went into his own
house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate. 2 Samuel 12:20
Realize our failures only show our humanity; a life of grace
shows our humility. We can’t stand without God’s grace! So, get up from the ground! It’s time to move on! It’s time to enter the house of God and
worship Him for His grace. It’s time to
remove the stains, remove the clothes of depression, and enter the house of
God!
Leaders are not
exempt from temptation but they must guard their lives and reputation. David placed himself into temptation, he wasn’t
in war. (2 Samuel 11:1) He wasn’t
fulfilling his duties, he sent his men to do his work. His guard was down; his spirit was restless,
and walking on the roof of the palace.
As the beautiful woman was bathing, David didn’t run away from the temptation, he ran full-speed ahead towards it by inquiring about her-she
is married. He didn’t stop there, he
ignores the red flag. God will always
offer an escape from temptation; we have to be willing to take it. Also, we must be wise to know our weakness,
be accountable, and don’t place ourselves up for failure. David’s failure didn’t stop God’s promise for
his life but it cost the love and respect of his family. God’s story with your life isn’t done because
you failed. Forgiveness is more easily granted from people but rebuilding trust will take steps of integrity. It’s time to turn the page;
God’s grace is greater than all your sins.
It’s time to rise and eat! 
