King David, despite his periods of failure was a man who was really in touch with God. He is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’ in 1 Samuel chapter 13 verse 14 and in Acts chapter 13 verse 22. It appears that he knew the way that God thought and was happy to talk honestly with him. The question is, am I, are you?
In the first four verses of
this psalm David asks the LORD not to rebuke him or to correct him. David knew
that God was extremely angry about his sin. If David did not understand the
seriousness of his offence God would be forced to correct him in a very severe
way. There is no indication given in the psalm of the nature of David’s sin.
Some writers, such as A G Clarke, feel that the psalm was written at the time
when Absalom, David’s son, rose up against him and attempted to take the throne
of Israel. Whatever the nature of David’s sin was, God was angry about it.
God is grieved when we sin.
The good news is that a believer has automatic recourse to God. If we confess
our sins then we receive forgiveness, 1 John chapter 1 verse 9. 1 John chapter 2 verses 1 & 2 teach that
the Lord Jesus acts in our behalf in heaven even before we recognise and
confess our sin. Christian’s today also have ongoing access to God to help us
live to please Him. This is described as coming to the ‘throne of grace to find
grace to help in time of need, Hebrews chapter 4 verse 16.
It is noticeable in this
psalm that David tells his readers that he is going through physical and mental
pain and agony because of his sin, verses 3, 5, 6 & 7. This tells us that
moral sin can affect us physically as well as mentally and spiritually. Beware
the psalmist is saying. Disobeying God has dramatic and painful effects in the
life of a believer. Verses 5 to 8 talk about this.
After telling us how God
feels about his sin and how he is suffering for his sin David advises that his
sin is affecting the people he has contact with. His nearest and dearest cannot
bring themselves to come near to him so they stand aloof, verse 11. They treat
him as if he will contaminate them if they come too close. In the New Testament
Christians are told not mix with believers who have sinned, 1 Cor. chapter 5
verses 5 & 11 and 2 Thess. chapter 3 verse 6. The reason for this is so
that the offender will see the error of their ways, repent and come back to the
Lord and the fellowship of his people.
David’s enemies also took
advantage of the situation. They were delighted to see one of God’s people fall
and were keen to goad him and to try to trip him up, verses 12, 16, 19 & 20.
As we conclude please note
the lessons that David learned.
1.
To listen and
hope in God and not to listen to men.
2.
To confess his sin
and to experience personally the saving presence of God.
I trust that the Lord will
help us to learn these lessons today.
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