The Power of Confession: The Tale of Two Kings

At first glance it seems unfair. One king disobeyed the Lord in one area, then the rest of his life was marked by problems, the anger of the Lord, and an ignominious death. The second king commits adultery, then murder and yet lives a full life dying at a ripe old age earning the epitaph 'a man after God's own heart.' Who are these two kings? Saul and David.

Saul was commanded to destroy the Amalekites, which he did except for the king and the best of the flocks. David's story is all too familiar. He committed adultery with Bathsheba and then made arrangements for Uriah to be murdered. Both men sinned the Bible says, For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rom 3.23) What seems shocking to us is the result of their sinful acts. It almost appears God inadvertently 'switched' their punishments. Isn't murder and adultery more heinous than partial obedience? The question is not which king sinned the worst, but 'How did each man respond to his sin?'

I. The Importance of Confession

II. The Imperative of Confession

III. The Ingredients of Confession

You and I need to adopt a lifestyle that is eager to settle misunderstandings and disputes and quick to get to God for forgiveness and cleansing. As much as possible live peaceably with all men.