“As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David, your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws.” 1 Kings 9:4 (NIV)
Have you ever heard about grace and wondered what it is? Charis is the Greek word which, when translated means grace or favour. It is undeserved and unmerited. An acronym for grace is God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. The theology of grace can be complicated so let’s examine what grace is in the life of David.
Do you know anyone who has a checkered life? Who all at once is a combination of the good, the bad, the ugly and the indifferent. We all have at least one person who quickly comes to mind. In the Holy Bible, the go-to character for a checkered life is David.
- He was the last son of Jesse anointed as King of Israel.
- He was considered a good kid and a courageous shepherd.
- He was a brave warrior and loyal soldier whom the people loved.
David became infamous when he took Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, impregnated her then had her husband killed to cover-up the act. With Uriah dead, David married Bathsheba. Sadly the child died, but they had another one named Solomon. When Solomon became king, God said to him in 1 Kings 9:4 “As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws.” As did David? Faithful? Integrity? Uprightness? David?
It is important to note; grace is the giving of favour in act and speech toward the undeserving. The sinner who accepts God’s grace is spoken of as if he or she never did a thing. God invites us to accept the grace He offers. John Newton recognized this and wrote, “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me…”
Prayer: Lord, we thank you for your amazing grace that is available to everyone, help us to accept it in Jesus name Amen.
