Sunday’s Devo - Joy in Sorrow

Read: 2 Samuel 12:1-31; John 16:1-33; Psalm 119:65-80; Proverbs 16:4-5
God sent Nathan to David to give him a parable about a sheep and a rich man. It was a mirror so David could see how God looked at what he did with Uriah and Bathsheba. He totally ruined their lives for one night of pleasure.
He would now face the death of their son. David’s response shows us the other side of David whose heart was tender toward God’s. He repented and took responsibility for the child. The only hope for the child’s life was in the hand of God and David knew that. David couldn’t save the child, but he taught us a valuable lesson. Our relationship with God is the most important thing we own. It must come first. The things of this earth are changeable, but God is the same. God promised them another son and he would hold the promise. It is always the second birth that brings life. Our first born stands for our natural birth and the second born stands for spirit being reborn in salvation. When Bathsheba gave birth to Solomon, Nathan sent word that God called this son Jedidiah which means “beloved”.
Right after this, David got word that they were about to take the city of Rabbah which means “populous”. This city was huge and would be a great victory. David went to fight with them for the victory and named it the city of David. David had gotten back on track.
In John, Jesus was still speaking to his disciples and told them of what was to come. They would be persecuted and put out of the synagogue because of Jesus. He was leaving but he was going to send them the Holy Spirit who would continue to teach them the things they were not ready for. He would lead them into all truth and tell them what was to come.
They would first be filled with grief because he was gone, but this grief would be turned to joy.
In both stories death brought sorrow but joy was always the end product.
Thank you Lord, that You work everything for your own end and it is always for joy.