Prophet Nathan was sent to King David to warn him about the consequence of his sin against God. David had committed the sin of adultery with Bathsheba and also sin of murder against her husband Uriah. David’s prayer of repentance is written in Psalm 51.
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.”
Psalms 51:10-12 NIV
This prayer is beautiful. David sought forgiveness and Prophet Nathan pronounced that God took away his sin. But the consequence of his sin would remain through his lifetime. David was forgiven by God and as a sign, Jesus Christ was born in his lineage.
What Apostle Peter writes is in line with Gods message to us:
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.”
1 Peter 2:11-16 NIV
Few points to ponder upon:
1. Abstain from Sinful Desires
2. Ascribe Greatness and Glory to God
3. Acknowledge the Authority from God
4. Avail Freedom and Power in submission to God.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
James 4:7-10 NIV
Amen 🙏