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LENT REFLECTIONS (DAY 13)

The death of David’s son is the theme for our reflection. David’s son was born out of the abominable and sinful acts of sexual immorality and manslaughter, for this reason Prophet Nathan told David that “because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die.” (2 Samuel 12:14). In other words, the death of David’s son was caused by the direct consequences of David’s sin with Bathsheba.

Dear friend, sin is costly and could have devastating impact on our lives and that of others. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Roman 6:23).

Today’s reflection raises another lesson of whether or not God listens to every prayer so long as we fast and pray. The answer is no. God listens to our prayer of forgiveness and indeed forgives those who genuinely show remorse and repent, however the fact that God forgives our sins does not mean that we are not responsible for the direct consequences of our actions. David missed this fact, God had forgiven him for the sin of taking Uriah’s wife and putting him in harm’s way to be killed. His forgiveness was to reestablish his broken relationship with God but it does not exculpate him from the direct consequences of his sins thereof. David concluded that “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who can tell whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” (2 Samuel 12:22-23). There is a prayer topic most of us overlook or to say the least, avoid. This prayer topic is asking God to help us endure and eventually be freed from the direct physical, psychological and emotional consequences of our sins although we believe we have been forgiven and our eternal salvation is guaranteed. If this lesson is well understood then we shall understand that the fact that God forgives a person for the sin of fornication or adultery does not mean that the person will not endure the suffering of Sexually transmitted infections or disease. Again, the fact that God forgives an armed robber does not mean that he or she will not go to jail. God forgives but we are also responsible for the direct consequences of our actions and inactions and for this reason David and Bathsheba witnessed the death of their first son.

Lent season offers us an opportunity to show remorse and genuine repentance even as we ask for forgiveness and grace to endure the suffering brought upon ourselves by our sins. Let us remember that even in our suffering God empathizes with us therefore Paul was assured by the Lord that “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

PRAYER

Dear Lord, awaken our conscience to acknowledge our sins, repent and thereafter be forgiven. Grant us the grace to also endure the direct consequences of our sins but most importantly restore us to your peace and joy again. Amen.

Jean-Paul Agidi (Rev)