Appearances

Meanwhile, Joab was fighting against Rabbah, the capital of Ammon, and he captured the royal fortifications. Joab sent messengers to tell David, “I have fought against Rabbah and captured its water supply. Now bring the rest of the army and capture the city. Otherwise, I will capture it and get credit for the victory.” [2 Samuel 12.26-28]

Wow. How blatant is this? David and Joab conspire together to put on an appearance for the people.

It makes me wonder if David, although his outcome was clearly defined by Nathan the prophet, could have been a little more repentant instead of putting on a front.

Had David just settled it in his mind that what was going to happen was going to happen?

Had David regressed to the point that integrity was no longer important?

It just seems at this point that David has "checked out" from begin the man he was. The sin with Bathsheba, consequent murder of her husband Uriah, and death of an innocent child seem to have all left a change upon David. Was he incapable now of integrity? Or, did David underestimate the mercy of God?

How it must have hurt when David was told what Ammon did to his half-sister Tamar. But it seems David did not take it to God. I get the feeling David just "took it on the chin" as if he deserved it (which he did) without further repentance and pleading for the lives of his children.

Then, David struggled with reconciliation with Absalom. Where was the "man after God's own heart?"

Things certainly can change. Not all things change for the better.

Could David had repented with a little more intensity and genuineness? Would his and his family's situation have been any different?

The Bible as a whole depicts God as merciful and loving. So, my answer to the question above is, "Yes, genuine repentance could have changed David's family."

My point is this: even though we may be getting entirely what we deserve in life, it is still worth appealing to God's mercy. It is worth serious reflection upon our lives to see if we are or are not truly and genuinely repentant. It is worth pleading with God. IT IS WORTH CONSIDERING THAT JESUS IS PLEADING WITH US! Jesus, Who redeemed us from the curse of the law (Gal. 3.13). To not plead with God for mercy is to underestimate God. And, to underestimate God is pride. God hates pride.

Father, help me to avoid appearances in my life that prevent me from living a genuinely repentant and truly dependent life before You and the world. Have mercy on us LORD. Because of Jesus!