God’s Unlimited grace

God’s Unlimited grace

Scripture:

David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife, Matthew 1:6b

Observation:

Now we come to Bathsheba, the fourth woman mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus. Her name is not mentioned here but rather reference to the fact that she had been Uriah’s wife, a poignant reminder of only one of two major blemishes in David’s otherwise exemplary life as king.

In a time when kings traditionally go to war, King David had stayed behind and from his high vantage point in his palace, espied a beautiful lady taking a bath on her rooftop. Intrigued King David inquired about her and then sent for her before committing adultery with her despite knowing that she was the wife of one of his most trusted soldiers, Uriah. She then found herself with child and informed King David. The King tried his best to cover up his shameful deed by having Uriah return from the battlefield and arranging for him to be with his wife but Uriah would not cooperate, saying it was wrong for him to enjoy pleasure while the other soldiers were still at battle. Finally, King David resorted to have Uriah killed by instructing Joab to withdraw his troops while Uriah was in the thick of fighting. After that murder, King David proceeded to bring Bathsheba in as one of his wives.

It was only when the prophet Nathan told King David a powerful parable that he realized his sin and repented. However, the child he had with Bathsheba died and the sin caused a great curse to come upon his house with great repercussions for his family members later. Nevertheless, Bathsheba conceived again and her son Solomon would later succeed David as king and become renown worldwide as the wisest person who had lived.

What can we learn about Bathsheba’s story and her inclusion in the Lord’s genealogy?

Firstly, Bathsheba’s inclusion shows us God’s forgiveness. No matter how far we have fallen, if we turn back to God in repentance, He will still accept us.

Secondly, Bathsheba’s inclusion shows us God’s unlimited grace. Not only did God forgive her and David, He even chose her son to succeed David as King and blessed him with unparalleled wisdom and greatness. God does not treat us as our sins deserve, and even blesses us abundantly from His lavish grace.

Finally, Bathsheba’s inclusion shows us how God can bring out good even from a bad situation. Despite the taint of David and Bathsheba’s union, God still brought out the great king Solomon and ultimately, our Lord Jesus Himself, from their family line.

Application:

Praise God that when He forgives us, He forgives us completely. As His words says, our sins He will remember no more. Praise God for His unlimited grace, how He bestows great undeserved favor on us who least deserve it. Praise God that He is able to bring out something good and precious even out of tainted vessels such as ourselves.

Prayer:

Praise You, Father in Heaven, for Your great love and forgiveness. We thank You Lord that You forgive us even as we come to You and cleanse us completely from all unrighteousness, and remember our sins no more. Praise You, Heavenly Father, for Your unlimited grace upon us and Your precious favor. I will ever trust in You O Lord. You draw out treasure from jars of clay, You make something precious out of us fallen vessels. May Your name be praised forever. In Jesus name, Amen.