S ) "21 Then his servants said to him, 'What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.' 22 He said, 'While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, "Who knows, the Lord may be gracious to me, that the child may live." 23 But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.'"
2 Samuel 12:21-23 (NASB)
Disclaimer: I know that in this story, one of the most compelling questions is why the LORD would take the first son of David and Bathsheba. However, setting aside that question, I want to focus on what happened afterward and why. I think it is more important to address and consider the verses above, than to explore what might have been God's reasoning, because in our own lives we often will never learn why God does or allows certain things. Instead, we must focus on what we do during those trials and tribulations.
O) There are a few elements to break down in the aftermath of David's most notorious sin. First, David is told immediately about the consequences of his sin, that he will be at war constantly (v.10), and that "his companion" will take his wives before his own eyes, and the people will all know about it (vv.11-12). At this point, David has not even put up a fight. He didn't try to shift blame or lessen God's sentence against him. Immediately, we see him confess his sin (v.11). Second, when Nathan gave him the rest of the consequence, regarding the baby, we read that David did take some action. He had clearly accepted responsibility (we know, by his plain confession), but he still prayed to God about this, it would seem to be for the sake of the child itself, or possibly for Bathsheba. We don't know the particular words David spoke to God (although we have some more context in Psalm 51), but it is clear from the verses above that David was pleading with God. Because David used the word "gracious" in describing the LORD, it seems unlikely that David was trying to provide extenuating circumstances to the LORD. Instead, he was making a humble request. Lastly, we see a picture of grief that is actually echoed in New Testament scripture. David understood the temporal nature of life on earth. When his child was dead, he was dead. That was the end of that chapter, but David alludes to a reunion. Not on this side of the grave, but on the other side of the grave. David had no concept of The Resurrection (as it had not been revealed, yet), but he did know that his own destiny was the same as that of his lost son. In the end, his time on earth would also come to a close. But, he does not despair this fact. The picture painted, is that David was pleading for life to continue on earth as long as it was possible and willed by God. Short of that, he accepted God's terms for life on earth, and rested in the assurance of a reunion after death. This is very much what we read in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, as Jesus had revealed the rest of God's plan for His people, beyond life on earth.
A) This is applicable every single time I sin, that my confession and repentance should be immediate. I should humbly accept responsibility, even if I do ask the LORD for mercy in the consequences of my sin. This is applicable every time I am fasting and praying, asking God to intervene in some circumstance. While the outcome is unknown, I should continue to do what I can, but when the outcome is manifested, my focus should shift forward. This is also applicable with the passing of friends and family, when they die. This was very much my experience when my mother was sick and in the hospital. I prayed for her healing, hoped for her healing. But, I also understood that life is still short. When her Lord took her to be with Him, I was deeply saddened for my own loss, but I rejoiced at her gain. I was able (in Christ alone) to shift my focus to our pending reunion. She will not return to me, but one day I will go to be with her in the presence of our Lord.
P) Father, Your grace is so humbling. The way You designed, authored, and executed the gospel is so perfect that it is difficult to grasp. When I have sinned, and I am reminded of my need for the grace of the gospel, I am thankful once again for the reconciliation that You desire by Your own will. I know that the consequences of my sins are still in place sometimes, because You discipline me as a son. For that reason, I thank You when I must face those consequences and also when You remove them. You are good either way, and so I am thankful. Please help me to keep an eternal perspective, whenever I am making supplications to You. Whether fasting is paired with my prayers, or not, I know that Your will should prevail. So, I pray that Your will is done on earth as it is in heaven. Thank You for the grace and peace I had while my mom was sick, and when she passed to be with You. I pray that I am carried by the same grace and comfort, in whatever tragedy I may face again. Open my eyes to recognize Your glory in every circumstance. Be glorified through me. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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