Daily Reading
Daily Thought
King David was a man after God’s heart, but that does not mean he was without sin. “I have sinned greatly” (2Samuel 24:10) was David’s confession to God after commanding a census. By God’s will David was chosen king, and by God’s power David attained the throne, but when he counted his people he was counting his soldiers, relying on his own strength to rule his kingdom. Repenting of this sin, David purchased property on Mount Moriah where he built an alter to worship the Lord.
A greater sin yet was David’s adultery with Bathsheba and murder of her husband, Uriah. Again, David repented, “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight” (Psalm 51:3-4). There were consequences, but this was true repentance and out of this sin, David married Bathsheba, and later they had a child, naming him Solomon (2Samuel 12:24).
David’s sins came with great cost, but even in the darkest of sin shines the power of God’s redemption–“where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20). From the remnants of sin, God produced a man, Solomon, and a mountain, Mount Moriah, and “Solomon began to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah” (2Chronicles 3:1).
This does not justify sin but displays the power of grace and reminds me to trust God’s salvation. Satan would have me deflated by failure, but I am made large through God’s salvation. I will, therefore, trust Christ’s cross and press on confidently.
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.” ~Psalm 51:12-13
Daily Prayer
Holy God, how great a salvation. As your servant King David asked, “O Lord, who am I that You care for me,” I am amazed by Your grace, that You turn your attention toward me. I keep turning my attention away, yet You look upon me and care about me and restore me.
God, may my focus never waver. May I dwell on my sins less and your redemption more. Keep me from being distracted. May I look to You first, may I seek Your kingdom, your goodness, You always.
Amen
Daily Question
What has more power over your life, your own sins or God’s grace?