Sermon Audio Archive

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

  

FROM: 5/26/02 Radio Program

Question:

Why was David called a man after God's own heart, even though he sinned?

Answer:

Remember that David was chosen of God to rule Israel after Saul's sins (I Samuel 13, 15). After Saul sinned in sparing king Agag, and the best of the animals, he was told: "The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou" (I Samuel 15:28). Acts 13:21-22 and I Samuel 13:13-14 record the words: "I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will."

Yet, David was not sinless. He sinned, as Nathan so stated (II Samuel 12:7). He also admitted his sin (Ps. 51). Yet, here is a man after God's own heart, for when he sinned, he humbly admitted it, repented of it, returned to God. His being guilty of sin had no bearing on this title, for if it did, he wouldn't be worthy of such. By carefully noting Acts 13 and I Samuel 13, we see that he was called a man after God's own heart because it would be David who would "fulfil all" of God's will! This was the point in God stating that David was a man after His own heart.

For further study, similar descriptions of affinity found in the Bible include: Abraham being called the Friend of God, though he was a sinner (Isa. 41:8; Jas. 2:23). Concerning Moses, one who was also guilty of sin from time to time, it is said: "The LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend." (Ex. 33:11). Jesus, while on this earth said, "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." (Jn. 15:14). Who among men would say they have not sinned? (I Jn. 1:8, 10)? Yet, we can still be called Christ's friend when we obey His will.

David was called a man after God's heart because he was a humble man who would "fulfil all" of God's will.

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