"Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die. And Nathan departed unto his house. And the Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick."

2 Samuel 12:14-15 (KJV)

REFLECTION:

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The Bible is painfully honest in its depiction of the horror and consequence of sin. It treats both disease and death as universal results of evil. Some infants with AIDS or young victims of drive-by shootings suffer for the sins of others, through no fault of their own.

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In facing these realities we must remember:

(1) Death is not always an act of judgment, nor will it always be a reality for God’s people (Ezekiel 18:20).

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(2) The loss and pain felt by others may be God’s instrument to turn their hearts toward him. Sorrow can awaken spiritual insight or cause spiritual growth. This is what seems to have happened to David. His experience refined him and helped him continue more diligently as a man after God’s own heart (2 Samuel 11-12).

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(3) Once we have been forgiven, it is unnecessary self-torture to continue feeling guilty about what our sins have done to others. We should be grateful for forgiveness and seek to minimize the effects of our sin (1 John 1:9).

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Sin is a struggle to every believer, and Satan is ever ready to accuse us before God day and night (Revelation 12:10).

But we thank God that He is gracious and merciful, we can sincerely come to Him for forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

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PRAYER:

Lord, I am guilty before you, please forgive me of my sins. I know you are a compassionate, merciful and loving God that search the heart. Help me restore the joy of my relationship with You. I pray to You, in Jesus name. Amen.