Nathan told David a story about a rich man, who had many flocks and herds, and a poor man who only had one lamb. When a traveler came to visit the rich man, he was unwilling to take an animal from his own flock. Instead, the wealthy man killed the poor man’s lamb and served it to the man who was visiting him. (2 Sam. 12:1-5)
David blurted out in anger, “The man who did this deserves to die!” Nathan told David, “You are the man!” (v.7) Then the prophet reminded David how much God had blessed him, and anointed him king, and kept Saul from killing him, but David killed Uriah and stole his wife.
Immediately David was convicted of his sin. He said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin” (2 Sam. 12:13). Notice how quickly David was forgiven. It took one second. When David confessed his sin with a repentant heart, God instantly forgave him!
John Vianney said, “God will pardon a repentant sinner more quickly than a mother would snatch her child out of a burning building.” Yet many people carry their guilt for years because they don’t believe God is merciful and quick to forgive.
Psalm 103:8 says, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” If you believe the Lord is merciful, repent of your sins and receive your forgiveness by faith. Guilt instantly leaves when it meets God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Let today be the day the Lord set you free from guilt! www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com www.makinglifecount.net
