We were having a discussion with our Associate Pastor, and he compared King Saul and David and how neither were perfect, but GOD called King David “a man after mine own heart” (Act 13:22 KJV). How could that be after he committed adultery and murdered to cover it up? He messed up again and again much like Saul did. Saul had a righteous son, but David’s son tried to take away his throne and another who had great wisdom eventually led the nation astray. So, where’s the difference? Both had the same GOD, were under the same law, and had the same opportunity to succeed!
King Saul continued in disobedience even after he was exposed! GOD told him “thy kingdom shall not continue…because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee” (2 Sam 13:14 KJV). Saul’s sin cost him everything! He and his righteous son Johnathan were defeated by their enemies and died on the battlefield. How can that be? He was anointed King by the same GOD as David and ruled over GOD’s chosen people, had the same priests and prophets to advise him, and faced the same enemies! What was the difference?
The difference was repentance! When David’s sin was made known, he repented! No excuses, no anger, no attempts to justify himself, but he changed direction and sought GOD’s forgiveness! “David said, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Sam 12:13 NIV). There were consequences to his sin, but GOD showed King David mercy and he let him live and continue to serve! His illegitimate son died, the sword never departed from his household, and David’s own wives were taken by those close to him (2 Sam 12:10-11). He paid a high price for his sin, but it didn’t cost him everything! He repented and found grace in GOD’s sight!
We serve the same GOD, but some are born into wealth and privilege and others are born into poverty and oppression, so we don’t have the same chance! Yes, those who “have it all” are less likely to turn to GOD for forgiveness, but “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23 KJV) and need a Savior! Thankfully, “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17 KJV). The word “whosoever” means you are included in His offer of “everlasting life!” We all have the same GOD, and He loves every one of us!
So, we are all going to Heaven? No, we all have the same GOD and the same opportunity to repent and be saved or reject Him and die in our sin! We must come by faith because “without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb 11:6 KJV).
How could He do that to people? Yes, it is hard to believe that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8 KJV). He prayed “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34 KJV) as He suffered on the cross. We all have the same GOD who loves us but where we spend eternity depends on us accepting His offer!
Wayne Lance (2022) – That’s Good News to Share!