King David
He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’” Acts 13:22
David is an important figure. He expanded the territory of the nation of Israel, defeating many of their enemies. He brought the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle to Jerusalem. He loved the LORD and wanted to build a temple for Him, but that would be left to his son, Solomon. From David’s family line, the Savior of the world would eventually be born.
God describes him as a man after His own heart. If we are familiar with the life of David, that might seem like an odd description for a man who committed adultery, and tried to cover up his sins by committing murder. Certainly, that’s not the heart of the LORD!
When God spoke these words about David, He had just rejected Saul as king of Israel. Saul did not follow the LORD’s command. When Samuel approached Saul about his sins, Saul would make excuses and point the finger elsewhere. Yes, David sinned against the LORD too, but when Nathan approached David about his sins, David confessed, “I have sinned against the LORD.” (2 Samuel 12:13) Nathan assured the repentant David, “The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die.” In repentance, David also accepted the consequences of his sins, including the death of his illegitimate son.
The Bible says that the LORD does not despise “a broken and contrite heart,” like that of David’s (Psalm 51:17). May the Lord work in us such a repentant heart, that is broken and sorry over our sins. Acknowledging our guilt, let us look to the sinless Son of David, Jesus Christ, and rejoice that through the death of “great David’s greater Son,” the LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die eternally but live!
Lord God, with David I pray that You would “create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.” Lead me always to repent of my sins with David and rejoice in the peace of forgiveness that Your Son Jesus gives me. Amen.
For further devotional reading, read Psalm 51 and make the repentant words of King David your own prayer.