"The Rest of the Story"
Author: Rod Callahan
Most of us remember the story of David and Bethsheba but do we remember "The Rest of the Story"?
King David saw Bethsheba on her roof top taking a bath. He sent for her and she came to his palace.
They had sexual relations and she became pregnant. When David learned this he had her husband, Uriah, brought in from the battlefield. He refused to sleep with his wife and spent the night outside. David heard about this and sent orders to his commander to place him in the heat of the battle and he was killed.
Fast forward to 2 Samuel 12. Nathan the prophet has a meeting with King David. He told him the story of a rich man who had many sheep. A traveler came and he killed his neighbor's only sheep to prepare him a meal. Nathan asked what should be done to this man. David said that this man should be killed. Nathan said, "You are the man." You commited adultery and had Uriah killed.
We feel awful when we are confronted of sin in our lives. God allows this confrontation to happen because He loves us so much.
Many consider Psalm 51 as the account of David's reaction to his encounter with Nathan. Now, "The Rest of the Story."
This Psalm gives the steps in David's being restored to a right relationship with God.
First, David cried for mercy. "Have mercy on me, O God" (Psalm 51:1-2). When we sin and repent our first response is to ask for God's mercy as David did. Romans 3:23 says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Second, David confessed his sin. "For I acknowledge my transgression" (Verses 3-6). In the 12 Steps of the AA program the person has to confess that he/she is an alcoholic. We need to confess our specific sin to God.
Thirdly, David plead for cleansing, "Purge me...cleanse me" (Verses 7-12). There is a great joy when we feel the cleansing power from sin by the Holy Spirit. Our water baptism is a good reminder of our being cleansed from sin.
Fourthly, David makes a vow of consecration in verses 13-17. He said, "Then will I teach." This response indicates He has had a change of heart and wants to tell others about it. When we hear and accept the Good News of the Gospel it is natural to want to share it with others.
Finally, David had a prayer of restoration in verses 18-19. He said that he would do good and help build the walls of Jerusalem. When the process of repentance is complete, there will be evidence of change in our life and we will want to do the right thing.
Now, you know "The Rest of the Story."
[Rodney Callahan is a retired Army Reserve chaplain with the rank of Colonel. He has a D. Min. degree, and served with honor and distinction as a Hospice chaplain in the State of Georgia Pastoral Counseling Services. He is an ordained minister in the the Georgia Conference, now named LifePoint Ministries. He served for several years as a member of the Chaplains Ministries IPHC Board. His many contributions to that board were commendable.]
Author: Rod Callahan
Most of us remember the story of David and Bethsheba but do we remember "The Rest of the Story"?
King David saw Bethsheba on her roof top taking a bath. He sent for her and she came to his palace.
They had sexual relations and she became pregnant. When David learned this he had her husband, Uriah, brought in from the battlefield. He refused to sleep with his wife and spent the night outside. David heard about this and sent orders to his commander to place him in the heat of the battle and he was killed.
Fast forward to 2 Samuel 12. Nathan the prophet has a meeting with King David. He told him the story of a rich man who had many sheep. A traveler came and he killed his neighbor's only sheep to prepare him a meal. Nathan asked what should be done to this man. David said that this man should be killed. Nathan said, "You are the man." You commited adultery and had Uriah killed.
We feel awful when we are confronted of sin in our lives. God allows this confrontation to happen because He loves us so much.
Many consider Psalm 51 as the account of David's reaction to his encounter with Nathan. Now, "The Rest of the Story."
This Psalm gives the steps in David's being restored to a right relationship with God.
First, David cried for mercy. "Have mercy on me, O God" (Psalm 51:1-2). When we sin and repent our first response is to ask for God's mercy as David did. Romans 3:23 says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Second, David confessed his sin. "For I acknowledge my transgression" (Verses 3-6). In the 12 Steps of the AA program the person has to confess that he/she is an alcoholic. We need to confess our specific sin to God.
Thirdly, David plead for cleansing, "Purge me...cleanse me" (Verses 7-12). There is a great joy when we feel the cleansing power from sin by the Holy Spirit. Our water baptism is a good reminder of our being cleansed from sin.
Fourthly, David makes a vow of consecration in verses 13-17. He said, "Then will I teach." This response indicates He has had a change of heart and wants to tell others about it. When we hear and accept the Good News of the Gospel it is natural to want to share it with others.
Finally, David had a prayer of restoration in verses 18-19. He said that he would do good and help build the walls of Jerusalem. When the process of repentance is complete, there will be evidence of change in our life and we will want to do the right thing.
Now, you know "The Rest of the Story."
[Rodney Callahan is a retired Army Reserve chaplain with the rank of Colonel. He has a D. Min. degree, and served with honor and distinction as a Hospice chaplain in the State of Georgia Pastoral Counseling Services. He is an ordained minister in the the Georgia Conference, now named LifePoint Ministries. He served for several years as a member of the Chaplains Ministries IPHC Board. His many contributions to that board were commendable.]