DAVID, a LESSON of REPENTANCE

The definition of repentance is turning away from sin by changing one's actions to obey the teachings of God. It is very important for our spiritual and emotional life to give special attention to repentance. Why? Because repentance is essential in order to receive God's forgiveness. Repentance is also important to develop proper attitude. There are several bible stories which tell us about repentance. Here is one example of repentance:

David,(his name means "beloved") was the second king of the united kingdom of Israel. He is depicted as a righteous king-although not without fault. He is also famous as a "man after God's own heart". David began his life as a shepherd in Bethlehem. David was the eighth and youngest son of Jesse. He was also a direct descendent of Ruth the Moabite. One day, the prophet Samuel called him out of the field and anointed him. Although He is a righteous king, he has a great sin. Most people are aware of his sin with Bathsheba, and his futile attempts to cover up his sin. The attempt to cover his sin resulted in another sin: murder.

How can a murderer be called a "man after God's own heart?" It is because when he failed, he repented. David understood how evilly he had acted and deeply repented. With tears he prayed to God, and fasted and lay on the ground. Great was David's sin, but his repentance was sincere and deep, and God forgave him. During the time of his repentance, king David wrote the psalm of repentance, which is a model of repentance and begins with these words, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin..."

The David's repentance process consists of feeling sincere regret or sorrow for doing wrong (II Samuel 12 : 13-17), confessing his sin (Psalm 51 : 5-7), asking for forgiveness (Psalm 51 : 9 - 12), making restitution for any damage done, and promising not to repeat the sin (Psalm 51 : 15 - 17).

Repentance is a rare word. You'll not hear it very often these days. But the fact is that repentance is the very first step to eternal life in the kingdom of God. Was David forgiven? Yes David was forgiven. His deep repentance and cry for mercy stirred the heart of the Almighty and David was forgiven.

The fact that this man who failed grievously could still be called a man after God's own heart, is good news for all of us. There is a great truth here. A truth every sinner would do well to remember. That truth is this; if a sinner repents - truly repents like king David did - then the Almighty God of Israel will surely forgive.