Defeat of the Philistines, David’s reign over Israel, kindness to Mephibosheth and defeat of the Ammonites were all in God’s will. I was impressed that Joab, who had killed Abner in revenge, called on God’s will to be done in defeating the Ammonites. He acknowledged God’s will was behind and in front of all those who were God’s people.
The most striking occurrence related to God’s will was David’s lusting after Bathsheba, committing adultery and murdering her husband. Sin upon sin was committed by David. David vowed to Nathan that a man who would steal another man’s lamb and kill it was worthy of death. David admitted he had sinned against the Lord.
Despite David’s sin, worthy of death by his own statement, God’s will was for a son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon, to become king over Israel and build the temple of the Lord as God had promised David. God spoke to Nathan to name the child Jedidiah, “beloved of the Lord.”
Sin, death of a child, birth of a king — all were used in God’s will for mankind to have a Messiah who would save people from their sin. Paul stated in Romans 3:23 that we all have sinned and have failed to bring glory to God. Yet, God used the sin and failure of David to accomplish his will. Without the sin, God still would have worked out his will.
It is beyond my comprehension to understand the will of God. David expressed in his prayer of thanks, 2 Samuel 7:18–29, amazement that God, knowing what he, God’s servant, was really like, would bless him and his family forever. He acknowledged the greatness of God who does what he promises and according to his will.
Thank you, God, for accomplishing your will, using me, even though you know what I am really like.
Rev. Steve Ruberg
