FAITH CAPSULE: With repentance, forgiveness will reign but consequence remains.

2 Samuel 15:7-37

God is a merciful God and He will always forgive when there is repentance. However, for every sin with repentance, forgiveness will reign but consequence remains. After king David had set up the death of Uriah and took over his wife, he received forgiveness for his repentance but the consequence lasted in his life. At certain time during his reign, he had a need to run for his life after his son Absalom, had gained the sympathy and support of the Israelites. During the escape for his life, the Bible recorded, “So David went up by the Ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered and went barefoot. And all the people who were with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went up.”(2 Samuel 15:30)  Obviously, the challenges of David were the consequences of despising God and the death of Uriah in attempt to cover the sin of adultery. David, with his entourage left in shame with their heads covered. In addition to that, David left his throne and the city when he went barefoot. It could not have been worse than that for a man who was described as a man after God’s own heart. Sin can be appealing but its course is destructive. Also, the consequences of sin can be exceedingly painful and emotional draining. Indeed the word of God is true to the fact that obedience is better than sacrifice. Can you trace to your present challenge to a consequence of your iniquity against God? In the midst of all, David’s heart remained focused on God, as he would not stop worshiping God either on the mountain or in the valley. “Now it happened when David had come to the top of the mountain, where he worshiped God-there was Hushai the Archite coming to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head.” (2 Samuel 15:32) The point being made here is that David would not abstain from worshiping God despite his agonizing situation. David set himself up for the situation and he was able to deal with it, without any recorded complain or neglecting his God. There was no one to be blame but David himself for giving a “Great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme.” (2 Samuel 12:14) Let it be known to you that not all confronting challenge is a pointer to consequence of sin. However, it is a point for you to be able look back and trace your past. As much as God is a merciful and forgiving God, it is important that we constantly recognize that there are consequences for every sin. God is not to be blamed or to be responsible for any sin. Be responsible. Responsibility is the price of accomplished great exploit.

Prayer for today: Ask God to lead and guide you from every trap of sin and iniquity.