Transformed through Repentance: David

Dinner church at Grace on November 6th will focus on Transformation. As we end the liturgical year,  and look forward to the Incarnation, the readings for the next four weeks will be on transformation and on some lives who were transformed.


Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundance mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin....Create a clean heart in me O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence and do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain in me a willing spirit. ~ Psalm 51:1-2; 10-12


From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” ~ Matthew 4:17



What is it about David that makes us remember him?

That made the people of Israel hold him up as the king that was an example of how a king should be?

He had a life of contradictions and of adventure. It was the stuff of great epic sagas.

And it wasn't just good stuff.

David was a murderer and an adulterer - some would even say rapist. He saw Bathsheba and wanted her, regardless of her feelings or the fact that she had a husband.

What is it about David that makes us remember him?

What is it that separates him from the other kings of Israel who did other despicable things - some not as bad, and some worse.

The prophet Nathan called David on his sin.

And David repented. David turned around. He changed his mind about what he had done.

And then he wrote Psalms that we still recite today that sing of that repentance. His repentance came down through the ages.

Repentance means to turn back, to change your mind. Without it, it is hard to change our heart or to grow in faith. To admit our guilt is the first step to becoming new.

Why do we remember David? 

Because of his change of mind and heart, and the trust he put in God to see him through.

Prayer: Create a clean heart in me O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence and do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain in me a willing spirit. Amen

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