Being Fruitful
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Posted: March 4, 2023
Author: Coria Brock 2 Samuel 12:12, New International Version “You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.” |
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At an exercise Bible study group I have with other ladies who seek to build good physical health as well as spiritual health, we are studying 2 Samuel 12 which is about the repentance of David. David had made a decision to sin and committed adultery and even murder, then lied about it. Through this story, we see God’s righteousness, justice, mercy, and grace. (Oh how great a God we serve!)
Chapter 12 contains many insights and warnings that come from the way God handles His servant’s sin. Furthermore we also see why God called David “a man after God’s heart”. But here in this article, I would like to focus on verse 12 which says, “You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.”
“You (everyone, you and I) did it (things) in secret, but I (God) will do this thing in broad daylight (expose them) before all Israel (His people).”
Why only to His people and not to the world? The Apostle Paul shared the reason, “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?” (1 Corinthians 5:12, NIV) Judgment of those who are outside the church (unbelievers) is God’s business. What does He mean to imply to us? He seeks His body (you and I) to help our brothers and sisters repent so that they can be restored. (2 Corinthians 7:9, Revelation 2:5) God does not intend for His body to point their fingers and criticize one another, nor is He promoting gossip or comparisons. He only exposes His people’s sin and darkness to those who belong to Him and are in agreement with Him and His truth (the Word). He does this so that we can receive teaching, reproof, correction, and be trained in His righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)
If we read the story of Adam and Eve we can see the same heart that God has for them. God called to them while they were hiding from Him. God gave them opportunities to admit their sin in His gentle way, and told them plainly the consequences. Then He prepared a Way/Blessing, for them to return to Him. (Genesis 3) Both Adam and Eve, as well as David, received an everlasting forgiveness. Their purpose here on earth continues and ultimately they have been saved through the same Savior, Jesus, the Messiah God prepared for everlasting life.
When God rebukes and exposes our sin, it is not to make us feel shame or failure. He desires that we would turn our hearts back to Him through the process of repentance. He desires that we would surrender to Him to His good, pleasing, and perfect plan. We are called to be His co-worker, His partner, His light in this world, just like Nathan the prophet. Will we humble ourselves like David did and like Nathan be a good messenger for Christ?
