Obedience?

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

I'm studying David. Interesting man.  It's hard to study David without also observing Saul. 

Here's a quick run-down of what I saw this week. 

God directed the prophet, Nathan, to anoint Saul and then later David as king of Israel. So both men were God's chosen leaders. 

Both men sinned against God: 

• all-consuming, unfounded  jealousy
• adultery
• murder
• conspiracy
• deceit
• cover-up

Nathan confronted both men regarding their sin. 

One recognized his sin (David).

One made excuses for his sin (Saul).

One repented (David).

One did not (Saul). 

One's whole family was blessed forever (David).

One's family met its demise. 

So what is our response when we sin and the Holy Spirit brings it to our attention?

Do we face the Lord with a contrite heart and own up to our shortcomings?

Do we make excuses or justify our behavior?

My Bible study leader had us write down the things we know God has directed us to do but we haven't. Then we were to write down the reasons why we were not obedient. 

Interestingly, as we looked at the rationale for not doing as we were directed, we came up with one conclusion: the only alternative to obedience is disobedience. No matter how we tried to justify our actions, we had to come to grips with the fact that we were just flat out disobedient. 

So the next logical question is: Are we going to be repentant like David or obstinate like Saul?  

Lord, use your Holy Spirit to show us the errors of our ways. Give us a heart for truth, that we will acknowledge our sins and turn away from them. May you be glorified as a result.