“All this (from the covenant of Abraham to the Israelites entering the promised land) happened in about four hundred fifty years. After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. Then the people asked for a king, so God gave them Saul, son of Kish. Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin and was king for forty years. After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised.” (Acts 13:20-23)
The Holy Spirit led the Israelites on their journey to the promised land in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. God spoke to His people through Moses, provided food, and made sure their clothes and shoes didn’t wear out. But the Israelites rebelled, worried, grumbled, and were ungrateful for God’s provisions.
There was a limit to God’s patience. He gave them over to judges, men and a woman, Deborah. They were prophets assigned to maintain order, defeat intruders, and lead the Israelites closer to God. But the Israelites still worried, grumbled, and were ungrateful. And many worshiped pagan gods. They rebelled against the system of judges and wanted a king. So God gave them Saul while David matured into the leader God wanted for His people.
King David wasn’t perfect. He walked on the roof of his castle and saw Bathsheba bathing, probably in her own courtyard. David sent for her and impregnated her. Later David made sure her husband, Uriah, was killed in battle and took Bathsheba for his wife.
How could God say that such a man was a man after His own heart? God wants us to know that no sin, even if it’s premeditated, is too big for him to forgive.
David was a man after God’s own heart because he recognized his sin, repented, and was grateful. He trusted God, and did everything God wanted him to do.
No matter how many people you’ve hurt, your heart can be right before God through your Savior Jesus. Don’t complain, grumble, or worry. Instead trust God, worship Him, be thankful for His provisions, and do everything God wants you to do.
Father, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. Thank you for saving me from sin through Jesus, my Savior. Make me feel your nudges so I will do everything you want me to do. I want to be a person after Your own heart. In Christ’s name I pray, amen.