DEVOTION – DAY 365

2 Samuel 12:13-14 “Confess And Repent”

2 Samuel 12:13-14 “Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord had taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die.”

Kind David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. He had also plotted to kill Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband so that he could marry her. God sent the prophet Nathan to confront David over his grave sin in 2 Samuel 12:1-10. When confronted with his sin, David did not try to justify his actions or made excuses or blame others. He admitted without hesitation “I have sinned against the Lord.” His confession was a sharp contrast to Saul who never admitted to his sins. David was told that the Lord had graciously removed his sin and that he has been forgiven. However, David would still have to live with the consequences of his actions. His son from his union with Bathsheba would die and that he would suffer disaster in his own household. Nathan’s prophecy was fulfilled.

We learn that God is merciful and gracious. When we have sinned and we go to God and confess our sins and repent, God will forgive us. He will not count our sins against us. However, we will still have to face the consequences of our sins. We know someone who was leading a church. In a moment of weakness, he committed adultery with a church member. He regretted his actions and was filled with guilt. It weighed heavily on his heart. In the end, he confessed his sins before his church elders, who prayed for him. He felt a weight lifted off him. He knew that God had forgiven him. However, he still had to face the consequences for his actions. He had to face disciplinary actions by his church for his misconduct. He took full responsibility for his actions. He resigned from all his duties and responsibilities. Later, after a time of solitude with the Lord and with spiritual healing, he felt the Lord lead him to other areas of ministry. Having learnt his lesson, he is now careful to avoid being tempted again in his area of weakness.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you for forgiving our sins when we confess and repent of our sins before you. Please help us to flee from temptations and to be focused on all that you have called us to do. May we persevere and not waver. We pray this in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. Why do many people find it hard to confess and repent of their sins? Discuss.
  2. How has God forgiven you of some past sins and how has His forgiveness set you free? Share.
  3. Is there some sin you need to confess and repent before God? Will you do so?
  4. Why is it important for us to confess and repent of our sins? Discuss.