The Scriptures devote a considerable amount of time to the life of David after he sinned with Bathsheba. And, the David after is noticeably different to the David before. While God has forgiven David, David is still reaping the natural consequences of his sin. This is painful but necessary reading. May we read and learn.

We use this word love so much that we might never really stop to define it. When we do, we can find that what we mean by it and what God means are two very different things. Not only do the definitions differ, but the outcomes differ also. That is exactly what this chapter shows us - the  devastating consequences of getting this word wrong, as illustrated in the life of Amnon. When we set it beside the life of the Lord Jesus, the contrast could not be more striking.

Woven throughout 2 Samuel, we have a number of references to Joab (David's nephew and the commander of his army). Joab displayed many instances of loyalty to David. Sadly, this included when David asked him to do wrong. In those moments, Joab choose the easier path - of going along. This meant he kept his position and prestige - however, the easy road turned hard. We never read of him repenting - and his life comes to a truly tragic ending.

The notion that someone who loves and delights in God will lead a kind of charmed life can run pretty deep in our hearts. Given our preferences of physical comfort and safety, this is hardly surprising. However, the notion is flatly contradicted in the Bible. No least in the life of Uriah and most of all in the life of the Lord Jesus. That is the subject of this message.

In 2 Samuel 12, we read of David's repentance and God's forgiveness. God's forgiveness is astonishing, requiring the death of His Son Incarnate on the cross. David can now know the smile of God, which boggles our minds. However, God tells David that his sin will still have consequences in this life. Herein lies a solemn warning to us all. Indeed, the unfolding of these consequences is a grace to David and to us - to humble us, subdue us, warn us, and teach us of God's holy nature.

As we study this section of David's life, we are faced with a searching question - what would we have done, if we'd known David and became aware of his sin? What do we do, when a brother or sister in Christ is overtaken in a fault (Gal. 6:1)? 2 Samuel 12 gives us the answer to the question, "What did God do?" God sent a spiritual man, who was close to David, to confront him with God's Word. Far from being an end in itself, however, this confrontation was a means to the end of David's restoration. Nathan models for us the sensitivity required in a delicate task like this. After approaching David with God's Word in such a sensitive manner - we rejoice to see David respond with repentance. 

After his sin involving Bathsheba, David found himself in a horrible-pit - facing the displeasure of God. Rather than repenting and calling upon God for deliverance, he continued to dig the pit yet deeper. Under strong temptation to cover-up his sin, he would sin in yet more grevious ways - making a bad situation worse. Therein lies a warning. Mercifully, we discover that the grace of God can reach down to the bottom of a pit, no matter how horrible it might be.

So many of the chapters thus far in 1 & 2 Samuel have painted striking and impressive portraits of David - showing his kindness and grace. In the biblical gallery, though, there hangs a disturbing portrait - when David falls. That's where we are is this message - 2 Samuel 11. Often, David has given us hints and clues as to what the Messiah will do. Here, David screams about why we need such a Messiah.

The author of 2 Samuel sets the events of chapters 9 and 10 right beside each other. In both, David is showing kindness. In one it is accepted and changes Mephibosheth's life forever. Now, in chapter 10, it is rejected. Not merely ignored - rejected. We find David to be slow to anger ... In all of this we are, again, pointed to the Lord Jesus Christ and the folly of rejecting His offer of salvation.

Often, the path of obedience is clear. That, however, doesn't make it easy. And yet, the beauty of the Gospel is that there is power to walk this path. That is what we see in 2 Samuel 9. Having been amazed by God's grace to him - David now amazes someone else by his grace to them.