Articles
Let Him Do What Seems Good
“Then the king said to Zadok, ‘Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and show me both it and His dwelling place. But if He says thus: “I have no delight in you,” here I am, let Him do to me as seems good to Him.’” (2 Samuel 15:25-26)
After David’s sin with Bathsheba, he was confronted by Nathan, the prophet. David accepted the blame for his transgression. Nathan promised David the “sword would not depart” from his house. The days following were dark times in David’s household. However, the words above demonstrate David’s full acceptance of the sin he has committed and the consequences to follow. David placed his future in the hands of God.
Trouble came to David’s house in the form of his own son. Absalom gained popularity with the people and was ready to seize the throne. It became apparent that David’s life was in danger, thus he and his followers left Jerusalem. Included in the procession is Zadok, the priest with the Ark of the Covenant. However, David urges Zadok to convey the Ark back to the city confident that if it is God’s will he will see it again.
From a human viewpoint it might seem unfair that God would allow one as vain as Absalom to humiliate a godly man like David. Yet, there is not a word of complaint from David. He readily placed his life in the hands of a just God. He knew the Lord reigns in righteousness and would perform only what was best.
Life often brings adversity. Sometimes it is because of our poor choices, as was the case of David. On other occasions it may come because of the neglect or sin of others. Many tragedies seem inexplicable. “Why did this happen to me?” Yet, often our greatest virtues grow out of such adversity. It is during these times we may acknowledge our unworthiness and need for God’s mercy.
What a remarkable attitude in David! “He will”, if He “delights” in me. There is not an ounce of selfishness or bitterness here. God is over all and can do all! It’s in God’s hands; he will do what is best. Peter says, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).
