Session 35

God’s character revealed

From 2 Samuel: A 5-Week Devotional

As the scorpion leaped from the fish’s back, landing on the river bank, the stinger hit its mark and the fish struggled to stay upright as the paralyzing poison did its work.

“You promised you wouldn’t sting me if I carried you safely across,” gasped the fish.

“But I’m a scorpion, and that’s what scorpions do,” came the indifferent reply.

In contrast, God’s character is one of compassion, grace and mercy. His plans are to prosper and not to harm us, to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). 

King David knows God’s character well, yet he also knows that there are consequences to his actions. To bring attention to himself and with pride in his heart, he sets out to document his astounding military strength. Once David realizes his sinful, foolish pride, he is guilt-stricken and surrenders to God. “Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into human hands” (2 Samuel 24:14).

God is merciful and just, yet He loves us too much to let our sin go unpunished.

God is merciful and just, yet He loves us too much to let our sin go unpunished. Let’s not allow the sting of the consequences of sin to paralyze us, but instead help us to be more resolute to draw closer to God. Just as He stopped the plague on Israel and provided a way for David to bring peace between Israel and God (2 Samuel 24:16-18), God, through His son Jesus, has made a way for us to be reconciled to Him.

Reflect:

• Like David, do you feel guilt-stricken from a sin in your life?
• Have you confessed it and asked God to forgive you? If not, will you do it today?
• If you have confessed it, what is one way you can remind yourself each day that God’s character is one of grace and mercy and He has already forgiven you?