Week 3 - Day 2

DAY 2 - Select and read a passage from above.
Journal your thoughts and prayers.

I picked 2 Samuel 12:1-24

http://www.youversion.com/reader.php?startverse=2Sam.12.1

My study Bible says "As a prophet, Nathan was required to confront sin, even the sin of a king. It took great courage, skill, and tact to speak to David in a way that would make him aware of his wrong actions. When you have to confront someone with unpleasant news, pray for courage, skill, and tact. If you want that person to respond constructively, think through what you are going to say. How you present your message may be as important as what you say. Season your words with wisdom."

Verse 12:14 "David confessed and repented of his sin (12:13), but God's judgment was that his child would die. The consequences of David's sin were irreversible. Sometimes an apology isn't enough. When God forgives us and restores our relationship with him, he doesn't eliminate all the consequences of our wrong-doing. We may be tempted to say, "If this is wrong, I can always apologize to God," but we must remember that we may set into motion events with irreversible consequences."

"Why did this child have to die? This was not a judgment on the child for being conceived out of wedlock, but a judgment on David for his sin. David and Bathsheba deserved to die, but God spared their lives and took the child instead. God still had work for David t do in building the kingdom. Perhaps the child's death was a greater punishment for David than his own death would have been."

"It is also possible that had the child lived, God's name would have been dishonored among Israel's pagan neighbors. What would they have thought of a God who rewards murder and adultery by giving the king a new heir? A baby's death is tragic, but despising God brings death to entire nations. While God readily forgave David's sin, he did not negate all its consequences."

12:24 "David did not continue to dwell on his sin. He returned to God, and God forgave him, opening the way to begin life anew. Even the name God gave Solomon, Jedidiah ("beloved of the Lord"; 12:25) was a reminder of God's grace when we return to God, accept his forgiveness, and change our ways, he gives is a fresh start. To feel forgiven as David did, admit your sins to God and turn to him. Then move ahead with a new and fresh approach to life."

Apologizing to God isn't always enough. You must ask for forgiveness, accept it, and then change your ways. And sometimes, just asking for forgiveness, does not always get rid of the consequences of your sin. So before succumbing to the pleasure of the moment, think of what the consequences might be of your actions, and ask God to help you do the right thing.