God's Sabbath

AD EEPER L ESSON

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Such consequences served as a warning and a school to the humble, repentant soul of David, who accepted them in the right spirit. God often permits the consequences of our wrong behavior to teach us vital lessons in the school of life. If we accept them as such they will be a blessing for ourselves and for the cause. They will be like the fire of purification of which is written: “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the L ORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness.” Malachi 3:3. The life of David is a valuable lesson book left on record for us. Primarily, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining strict in tegrity. If, however, we succumb to Satan’s artful devices and find ourselves in complicated entanglements, the record of God’s dealing with David is a demonstration and an assurance of the way in which He will similarly deliver us, as long as we fulfill the conditions in true repentance. By thoroughly familiarizing ourselves with these records, we can develop the courage and faith to commit our problems entirely to God, so we will know exactly what to expect of Him in times of crisis. David’s history also provides stark warning of the terrible consequences of trusting to our own efforts to solve problems, whether they arise out of our own or others’ misdeeds. These les sons must be thoroughly learned if we are to enter into God’s Sabbath rest. ALesson for Us