One thing that intrigues me about the Bible is the fact that it not only shows the good and enviable side of great men of God, it also shows the ugly side of them that I am sure they would not have wanted the Bible to record.

Let us take a look at the life of David. He was a boy who loved the Lord with all of His heart. He was never seen by his family as a candidate for the kingship of Israel. This was so obvious when the prophet Samuel was sent to the home of Jesse to select the next king of Israel. When the sons of Jesse were summoned, no one bothered to call for David.

 I can imagine how exasperated Samuel must have been, having gone through all the likely candidates and did not get God’s approval. He was forced to ask, ‘Are these all the sons you have?” (1 Samuel 16:11) This was when Jesse remembered that he had one son left, who was at the point tending to the sheep. David was summoned and Samuel got the green light he needed to anoint the next king of Israel.  

From then on, David began to manifest the gift and anointing of God upon his life which eventually led him to battle Goliath and relocating him from the sheep pasture to the royal table of King Saul.

Fast forward a couple of years. Saul dies and David is made King of Israel. He fought many wars for Israel and during his time, Israel recorded many battle victories far more than ant king Israel had before or after him.  David’s secret for success lied in his relationship with God. He loved to praise God and would not make any major decision without talking with God first.  At a point, God Himself testified, ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do’ (Acts 13:22)

David took loyalty very seriously. On account, he ordered the execution of the man who claimed responsibility for the death of Saul, thinking he might receive some reward from David. 

In spite of all these great credentials, David had some dark spots in his life. He made some bad choices one of which was his decision to stay at home at a time when Kings normally go for battle (2 Sam 11:1) Instead of going to battle, David sent Joab his commander. One day he went for some fresh air at the top of his house when he saw a beautiful woman talking her bath. Curiosity grew into lust and lust led David to take the decision that would mar his reign as King of Israel. Uncontrolled lust led to adultery and adultery led to murder.

Confronted with his sin, David went to God in repentance and God forgave him. I am sure if the hand of the clock were wound back for David, with the benefit of hindsight, he would made a different choice.

We have the opportunity to learn from the life of this great man who was loved by God.  From his good side, we learn total obedience to God, loyalty to God and country, respect for those in authority.

On the flip side, we learn the effects of making bad choices. We also learn that when we fail, it is not the end for us, God is always willing to forgive and restore us to Himself. The bad choices we make however could cause negative consequences that could affect our lives and the lives of others. 

‘All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.’ (2 Tim 3:16-17)