Legacies

David was clearly a biblical character with a mixed portfolio. Despite the best of spiritual intentions, he still found time and means to drop the ball. Probably many remember his sins with Uriah and Bathsheba, which include lust, adultery, murder and attempts at cover up, as remember his devotion to God. However, years after his life had ended we hear the apostle Paul say about him in Acts 13:36, "...for after David had served his generation according to the will of God, he died and was buried, and his body decayed."

What a legacy! The summary statements about David's life, even with the "biggie" sins clearly identified, show a man who sought to live "according to the will of God" and was repentant over the times of disobedience. God didn't overlook his sins - there were consequences that affected David, his family and the nation. We see David accepting God's discipline and continuing as a vessel in His service. There would be limitations on the scope and breath of what might have been but God still used him.

What about me and you? Does God forgive and restore us following our spiritual fumbles? I believe that scripture teaches that the same Holy and Just, Sovereign God, works with us just as He did with David. As we repent and confess, "He is faithful to forgive and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." God has not changed since David's time. He WILL continue to use us if we earnestly seek to live according to His will. That's the key. Knowing and doing His will. The result will be that we also make a difference in our generation for His kingdom.

The nine most quoted words of Winston Churchill are "Never give up. Never give up. Never give up." God says, "And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't get discouraged and give up." Note that David did die. So will we if the Lord delays His return. There are only so many days to walk with and allow Him to use us. You have today if you're reading this. Today, love Him and love others.