The fear of the LORD

Charles Spurgeon, et al.

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Here, God opens to us the true gateway of wisdom. All the philosophies and teachings of men may parade themselves as insight, but apart from the fear of the LORD, they are blind guides leading the blind. Wisdom does not originate in intellect, nor is it attained by experience alone. It begins with the fear of God–a holy reverence and awe of His majesty, His power, His justice, and His grace.

True fear of God does not lead to bondage, but to holiness. To fear the Lord is not a cringing dread, but a deep-hearted recognition of who He is, and a consequent submission to His will. It is to stand in awe of His holiness and to tremble at His Word (Isaiah 66:2). It is to love what He loves, to hate what He hates, and to live in conscious dependence upon Him. Until this fear governs the heart, one cannot be wise–for without it, one walks in the vanity of his own mind and the darkness of his own understanding (Ephesians 4:17-18).

From this holy fear, springs the pursuit of the knowledge of the Holy One. Here we do not deal in mere information about God–but in the spiritual, experiential knowledge of Him through His Word. To know the Holy One, is to be brought into saving relationship with Him through Jesus and His sin-atoning sacrifice on the cross.

This knowledge transforms. As we grow in reverence and deepen in our acquaintance with God’s holy character, we are conformed into His likeness. Wisdom is not academic–it is spiritual insight into the ways and will of God, made possible only through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. True wisdom leads to holy living; for what a man truly knows of God, will always show itself in how he lives before God. A holy fear of God is the root of all godliness. A tender conscience, a reverent heart, and a holy walk are the fruit of fearing the Lord.
Let us therefore examine our hearts. Is the fear of the LORD the root of our choices, the anchor of our worldview, and the guide of our steps? Are we growing in the experiential knowledge of the Holy One? If we would be wise, we must begin here–and never move beyond it.

“Lord, teach me to fear You above all things. May Your greatness silence every anxious thought, and drive away every earthly fear. May Your holiness humble me, Your grace embolden me, and Your presence comfort me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways.” Psalms 128:1

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Father knows best!

Charles Spurgeon

(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Job 1:21, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised!”

“Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” Job 2:10

Let the Lord do as He wills to us–He will never be unkind to us.
He has always been our friend; He will never be our foe!

He will never put us into His furnace, unless He means to purge the dross out of us. Nor will there be one degree more heat in that furnace than is absolutely necessary. There will always be mercy to balance the misery, and strength supplied to support the burden to be borne.

Oh, children of God, your Father knows best!
Leave everything in His hands and be at peace, for all is well.

“I was silent; I would not open my mouth; for You are the one who has done this!” Psalm 39:9

“He is the LORD; let Him do what is good in His eyes!” 1 Samuel 3:18

“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty: yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” Habakkuk 3:17-18

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

**New** Chapter 4. Mr. Worldly Wiseman (SermonAudio.com, 20 minute video)**New** Chapter 4. Mr. Worldly Wiseman (YouTube, 20 minute video)

  . . .

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” (1 Peter 2:11)

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (Hebrews 11:13)

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week Grace Gems is beginning the presentation of the book, Pilgrim’s Progress. This is a classic and a must read for all believers. However, we will be able to see it in video format.

The Pilgrim’s Progress

Chapter 3. The Swamp of Despond (SermonAudio.com, 6 minute video)

Chapter 3. The Swamp of Despond (YouTube, 6 minute video) 

The Puritan John Bunyan wrote his enduring allegory, The Pilgrim’s Progress, while imprisoned in England for preaching the gospel. First published in 1678, this beloved work has instructed, warned, and encouraged generations of Christians in virtually every aspect of the Christian life. In 2018, Grace Gems prepared a careful update of the original text, preserving Bunyan’s message while making it more accessible to modern readers. We are now freely presenting that edition in a high-quality video format. Above you will find links to the video of Chapter 1, “The City of Destruction.” Lord willing, we plan to publish a new chapter each month until the whole book is complete. Here is an overview of the book:

The Pilgrim’s Progress beautifully portrays the Christian life as a pilgrimage from the City of Destruction, to the Celestial City. It opens with the sobering truths that every person is born in sin, and under the wrath of God. When Christian is awakened by reading the Scriptures, he discovers what every sinner must learn: this fleeting world with all its gaudy trinkets, cannot soothe a wounded conscience or reconcile a soul to a holy God. His departure from the City of Destruction reflects the call to repentance–the summons to forsake false hopes, turn from sin, and seek life in Christ alone. As Bunyan’s story unfolds, the cross stands forth as the sinner’s only refuge, the blessed place where the burden of sin is atoned for, and grace triumphs over condemnation.

From that moment onward, the pilgrim’s path is marked by trials, temptations, fears, and sorrows, yet never by abandonment. The Lord faithfully sustains His people through every dark valley, using affliction not to destroy faith, but to refine it. Through companions, warnings, and providential mercies, Bunyan reveals the tender care of God for weary pilgrims on the dangerous and narrow way that leads to eternal life. He also warns that external religion and mere head knowledge are no substitute for a heart truly renewed by grace. In the end, The Pilgrim’s Progress lifts the reader’s eyes beyond the hardships of the present pilgrimage, to the everlasting joy that awaits all who persevere by faith in the presence of King Jesus in the Celestial City.

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” (1 Peter 2:11)

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (Hebrews 11:13)

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Psalm 37 lies in the first division of Psalms and addresses mankind. Its tone resembles that of the book of Proverbs. The psalm dispenses wisdom about the security of the righteous man and the insecurity and fate of the wicked man. Psalms 36 and 39 also describe the insecurity and fate of the wicked. The covenant God made with Israel in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 27—30 is the basis for David’s assurance that the righteous are secure. The issue of the prosperity of the wicked is also featured in Psalms 49 and 73. David most likely wrote Psalm 37 in his old age. 

Psalm 37

^“ Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

Fret not (Psalm 37:1-11)

Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.² For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.³ Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.⁴ Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.⁵ Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.⁶ And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. ⁷ Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.⁹ For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.¹⁰ For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.¹¹ But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

In the beginning of this psalm David tells his audience not to “fret,” which is translated from a Hebrew word referring to burning or heat. In contrast to anxiety, or rage, believers should trust in the Lord, delight themselves in the Lord, commit their way to the Lord, and wait patiently for the Lord. He explains that the prosperity of the wicked lasts only a short time, whereas the Lord’s blessing of the righteous lasts forever (Psalm 37:1–11). 

The Lord upholdeth the righteous (Psalm 37:12-34)

¹² The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.¹³ The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.¹⁴ The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.   ¹⁵ Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.¹⁶ A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.¹⁷ For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous.¹⁸ The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.¹⁹ They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.²⁰ But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.²¹ The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.²² For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.²³ The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.²⁴ Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.²⁵ I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.²⁶ He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.²⁷ Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.²⁸ For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.²⁹ The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever. ³⁰ The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.³¹ The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.³² The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.³³ The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.     ³⁴ Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

David points out that God is fully aware of the situations faced by the righteous. He is also aware of the seemingly unfair prosperity of the wicked. He knows the wicked abuse the poor and needy and violently oppose the righteous. He assures his readers that God always takes care of His people and protects them. His blessing extends not only to the righteous but also to their descendants. David says the righteous person has God’s Word in his heart, and therefore he does not stumble through life. The Lord is always near the righteous person and will give him the Promised Land for an inheritance (Psalm 37:12–34). 

Salvation of the righteous is of the Lord (Psalm 37:35-40)

³⁵ I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.³⁶ Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.³⁷ Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. ³⁸ But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.³⁹ But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.⁴⁰ And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

From the world’s perspective, evil people might seem like a tree with wide-spreading branches. Something so large, and so deeply rooted, can be intimidating. However, as David notes, that is merely an illusion compared to the power of God. In his own life, David saw the fate of the rich (1 Samuel 25:39), the strong (1 Samuel 17:48–51), and those in authority (1 Samuel 23:14) who rejected God and godly wisdom. When the once-powerful tree is destroyed, eventually all traces are gone. God promises a future for the righteous, but He will destroy the wicked. David concludes Psalm 37 by describing the Lord as the believers’ salvation and refuge in times of trouble. He delivers them from the wicked (Psalm 37:35–40). 

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week Grace Gems is beginning the presentation of the book, Pilgrim’s Progress. This is a classic and a must read for all believers. However, we will be able to see it in video format.

The Pilgrim’s Progress

Chapter 2. Obstinate and Pliable (SermonAudio.com, 8 minute video)

Chapter 2. Obstinate and Pliable (YouTube, 8 minute video) 

The Puritan John Bunyan wrote his enduring allegory, The Pilgrim’s Progress, while imprisoned in England for preaching the gospel. First published in 1678, this beloved work has instructed, warned, and encouraged generations of Christians in virtually every aspect of the Christian life. In 2018, Grace Gems prepared a careful update of the original text, preserving Bunyan’s message while making it more accessible to modern readers. We are now freely presenting that edition in a high-quality video format. Above you will find links to the video of Chapter 1, “The City of Destruction.” Lord willing, we plan to publish a new chapter each month until the whole book is complete. Here is an overview of the book:

The Pilgrim’s Progress beautifully portrays the Christian life as a pilgrimage from the City of Destruction, to the Celestial City. It opens with the sobering truths that every person is born in sin, and under the wrath of God. When Christian is awakened by reading the Scriptures, he discovers what every sinner must learn: this fleeting world with all its gaudy trinkets, cannot soothe a wounded conscience or reconcile a soul to a holy God. His departure from the City of Destruction reflects the call to repentance–the summons to forsake false hopes, turn from sin, and seek life in Christ alone. As Bunyan’s story unfolds, the cross stands forth as the sinner’s only refuge, the blessed place where the burden of sin is atoned for, and grace triumphs over condemnation.

From that moment onward, the pilgrim’s path is marked by trials, temptations, fears, and sorrows, yet never by abandonment. The Lord faithfully sustains His people through every dark valley, using affliction not to destroy faith, but to refine it. Through companions, warnings, and providential mercies, Bunyan reveals the tender care of God for weary pilgrims on the dangerous and narrow way that leads to eternal life. He also warns that external religion and mere head knowledge are no substitute for a heart truly renewed by grace. In the end, The Pilgrim’s Progress lifts the reader’s eyes beyond the hardships of the present pilgrimage, to the everlasting joy that awaits all who persevere by faith in the presence of King Jesus in the Celestial City.

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” (1 Peter 2:11)

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (Hebrews 11:13)

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week Grace Gems is beginning the presentation of the book, Pilgrim’s Progress. This is a classic and a must read for all believers. However, we will be able to see it in video format.

The Pilgrim’s Progress

Chapter 1. The City of Destruction (SermonAudio.com, 8 minute video)

Chapter 1. The City of Destruction (YouTube, 8 minute video)

The Puritan John Bunyan wrote his enduring allegory, The Pilgrim’s Progress, while imprisoned in England for preaching the gospel. First published in 1678, this beloved work has instructed, warned, and encouraged generations of Christians in virtually every aspect of the Christian life. In 2018, Grace Gems prepared a careful update of the original text, preserving Bunyan’s message while making it more accessible to modern readers. We are now freely presenting that edition in a high-quality video format. Above you will find links to the video of Chapter 1, “The City of Destruction.” Lord willing, we plan to publish a new chapter each month until the whole book is complete. Here is an overview of the book:

The Pilgrim’s Progress beautifully portrays the Christian life as a pilgrimage from the City of Destruction, to the Celestial City. It opens with the sobering truths that every person is born in sin, and under the wrath of God. When Christian is awakened by reading the Scriptures, he discovers what every sinner must learn: this fleeting world with all its gaudy trinkets, cannot soothe a wounded conscience or reconcile a soul to a holy God. His departure from the City of Destruction reflects the call to repentance–the summons to forsake false hopes, turn from sin, and seek life in Christ alone. As Bunyan’s story unfolds, the cross stands forth as the sinner’s only refuge, the blessed place where the burden of sin is atoned for, and grace triumphs over condemnation.

From that moment onward, the pilgrim’s path is marked by trials, temptations, fears, and sorrows, yet never by abandonment. The Lord faithfully sustains His people through every dark valley, using affliction not to destroy faith, but to refine it. Through companions, warnings, and providential mercies, Bunyan reveals the tender care of God for weary pilgrims on the dangerous and narrow way that leads to eternal life. He also warns that external religion and mere head knowledge are no substitute for a heart truly renewed by grace. In the end, The Pilgrim’s Progress lifts the reader’s eyes beyond the hardships of the present pilgrimage, to the everlasting joy that awaits all who persevere by faith in the presence of King Jesus in the Celestial City.

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” (1 Peter 2:11)

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (Hebrews 11:13)
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Today the Daily Devotion will begin new content. Grace Gems will appear Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.  Wednesday, will be my Bible study notes.

What are Grace Gems?

Our purpose is to humble the pride of man, to exalt the grace of God in salvation and to promote real holiness in heart and life. 

Our desire is that the Holy Spirit, who is the Divine Revealer and Interpreter of Christ and His truth, may impart to your hearts a sober, spiritual and sanctifying receptivity of His Word—abasing self, and exalting Christ!

Our intention is to unfold and illustrate the Lord Jesus Christ in the relation in which He stands to His people—to unveil His glory, beauty, and fullness—to define the close bond of union that unites all His people to Him, and to bring you into a more personal realization of what Christ is to you, and of what you are to Christ.” (Octavius Winslow)

Our objective is to set before the Christian pilgrim some reflections which may prove challenging, consolatory and encouraging—as he journeys up from this bleak, arid, wilderness world, leaning on his Beloved.

May God’s blessing attend our humble effort to minister comfort to the downcast, strength to the weak, and courage to those who have set their faces towards their glorious eternal home. (https://www.gracegems.org/)

Our sin–God’s grace

Charles Spurgeon, et al.

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Romans 5:20, “Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.”

Sin is not merely the breaking of a rule–it is rebellion against the infinite majesty and holiness of God. It is treason against the sovereign King of Heaven. It is . . .
  a monstrous defilement of the soul,
  a willful choosing of darkness over light,
  a loathing of God’s commandments,
  and a love for what He hates.

Sin pollutes every part of our being:
  our minds are blinded,
our hearts are deceitful,
  our wills are enslaved.
Sin makes us loathsome in God’s sight, and fit only for eternal judgment. Scripture does not soften the description. We are . . .
  “dead in transgressions and sins,”
  “children of wrath,”
  “slaves to sin,”
  and “enemies of God.”

The horror of our sin is not measured by how we see it, but by how God sees it–as that which nailed His beloved Son to the cross!

And yet, into that blackness shines a light so glorious that no mind could have imagined it, and no heart could have hoped for it–the grace of God! His grace is unearned, undeserved, and unrepayable. It is His free favor poured out on the utterly . . .
  un-deserving,
  ill-deserving
  and Hell-deserving.

Grace finds us filthy, and makes us pure.
Grace finds us guilty, and declares us righteous.
Grace finds us enemies of God, and makes us His sons and daughters.

Nowhere are sin and grace manifested as clearly, as at Golgotha. There, the horror of our sin is exposed in full; for only the blood of the sinless Son of God could make atonement for it! His groans, His wounds, His forsakenness–all cry out against our guilt.

At Golgotha also, the wonder of grace shines brightest.
Jesus bore our sin, that we might bear His righteousness.
He was cursed, that we might be blessed.
He died, that we might live.

In the cross of Jesus, sin reached its vilest expression–and grace reached its highest triumph.

“Holy and merciful God, I bow before You in deep shame for the evil that is in me. My sin is great, but Your grace is greater still. I am in awe that Your Son would die for one so vile as myself. Break my pride, melt my heart, and lead me in paths of grateful obedience, until the day I see You face to face. Amen.”

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Today the Daily Devotion will begin new content. Grace Gems will appear Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.  Wednesday, will be my Bible study notes.

What are Grace Gems?

Our purpose is to humble the pride of man, to exalt the grace of God in salvation and to promote real holiness in heart and life. 

Our desire is that the Holy Spirit, who is the Divine Revealer and Interpreter of Christ and His truth, may impart to your hearts a sober, spiritual and sanctifying receptivity of His Word—abasing self, and exalting Christ!

Our intention is to unfold and illustrate the Lord Jesus Christ in the relation in which He stands to His people—to unveil His glory, beauty, and fullness—to define the close bond of union that unites all His people to Him, and to bring you into a more personal realization of what Christ is to you, and of what you are to Christ.” (Octavius Winslow)

Our objective is to set before the Christian pilgrim some reflections which may prove challenging, consolatory and encouraging—as he journeys up from this bleak, arid, wilderness world, leaning on his Beloved.

May God’s blessing attend our humble effort to minister comfort to the downcast, strength to the weak, and courage to those who have set their faces towards their glorious eternal home. (https://www.gracegems.org/)

She had been plucked from the burning fires of Sodom!

John MacDuff, “Sunsets on the Hebrew Mountains“

(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Genesis 19:26, “But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.”

Luke 17:32, “Remember Lot’s wife!“

Beware of worldly entanglements! How many there are, who, like Lot’s wife have apparently set out to the Zoar of safety, yet who linger and perish in the plains of Sodom! They hear the terrors of the law; they are roused by the threat of the coming conflagration. They think of fleeing–they have actually set out.

The world they have left, has too many attractions and fascinations! Like Demas, they give the preference to these. They look back to Sodom and perish eternally! Beware of yielding to temptation!
Lot’s wife had gotten out of reach of the summonings and jeers of her evil companions. She had reached the brow of the hill, and was apparently completely safe. She had been rescued from the idolatries of Chaldea, and the superstitions of Egypt. She had been plucked from the burning fires of Sodom–and yet she perished notwithstanding!

How sad it is, to see a soul . . .
  that had set out on the way to Heaven,
  that had escaped the temptations of youth,
  that got rid of worldly entanglements,
  that got out of Sodom, and was on its way to Zoar,
yet perishing with salvation in sight!

“But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” Genesis 19:26

“Remember Lot’s wife!” Luke 17:32

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

PSALM 51

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (10)

2 Samuel 11-12:13  David’s Sin with Bathsheba

David tarries (1)

And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.

David’s adultery (3-5)

² And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.³ And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?⁴ And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.⁵ And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.

David’s Coverup (6-13)

⁶ And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David.⁷ And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered.⁸ And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king’s house, and there followed him a mess of meat from the king.⁹ But Uriah slept at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.¹⁰ And when they had told David, saying, Uriah went not down unto his house, David said unto Uriah, Camest thou not from thy journey? why then didst thou not go down unto thine house?¹¹ And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing.¹² And David said to Uriah, Tarry here to day also, and to morrow I will let thee depart. So Uriah abode in Jerusalem that day, and the morrow.       ¹³ And when David had called him, he did eat and drink before him; and he made him drunk: and at even he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord, but went not down to his house.

Death of Uriah (14-17)

¹⁴ And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.¹⁵ And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.¹⁶ And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were.¹⁷ And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also.

Bathsheba mourns Uriah’s death (26)

²⁶ And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband.

God is displeased with David (27)

²⁷ And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.

2 Samuel 12:1-13 David repents

Story of the rich man (1-6)

And the Lord sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.² The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:³ But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.⁴ And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man’s lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.⁵ And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the Lord liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die:⁶ And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.

David’s punishment (7-13)

⁷ And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;⁸ And I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.⁹ Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.¹⁰ Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.¹¹ Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.¹² For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.¹³ And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.

God’s Bio

Omniscience, all knowing

For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.” (Psalm 139:1-4)

Omnipresent, He is everywhere 

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?⁸ If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.⁹ If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;¹⁰ Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. (Psalm 139:7-10)

Omnipotent, all powerful

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” (Revelation 19:6)

Holy

“Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2)

Love

“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (1 John 4:8)

Mercy

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (1 Peter 1:3)

Grace

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:8)

Peace

“Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

Longsuffering

“The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.” (Psalms 145:8)

David interacts with God (Psalm 51)

David’s repentance (1-12)

David’s repentance and request for mercy (1-4)

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. ² Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. ³ For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. ⁴ Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

David acknowledges he was shapen in iniquity (5-6)

⁵ Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. ⁶ Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

David’s request for God to make him clean, to hear joy and gladness, create in him a clean heart, God’s presence, the Holy Spirit, joy of salvation (7-12)

⁷ Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. ⁸ Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. ⁹ Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. ¹⁰ Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. ¹¹ Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. ¹² Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

CHALLENGE

Unconfessed sin will cause you to wither away. We must deal with unconfessed sin in the same way David did. REPENT and sincerely, humbly, come to the foot of the cross and allow Jesus to deal with our sin. First John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

David’s prayer in Psalm 51 helps us to see what it means to repent and humble ourselves before God.

David gets right with God (13-19)

Results of getting right with God (13-19)

¹³ Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. ¹⁴ Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. ¹⁵ O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. ¹⁶ For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.¹⁷ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.¹⁸ Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.¹⁹ Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

CONCLUSION

David’s interaction with God was a prayer of repentance. Then a prayer of action. Whenever we sin and repent, there should be a desire to serve God. Not works because we have to, but out of love for our Savior.

Had David:

Been at his appointed place

Been careful what he  looked at

Not allowed temptation to become sin

Not tried to cover up his sin. Cover ups are always exposed by God

David would not have had to:

Suffer the punishment of sin which is always greater than the enjoyment of the sin

Repent

Seek God’s mercy

David’s desire after his repentance:

Continue to minister for God

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com