Finish: Imitating An Imperfect KingSample

His resolve to serve and honor God only stronger for the trials and challenges he faced, David remained God’s faithful servant to the end of his life, reflecting God’s character in his interaction with other people and demonstrating faith in God’s wisdom when less humble men would have argued with God’s plan. 

After Absalom’s defeat and death, those who had followed him in rebellion scrambled to realign themselves with King David. Shimei was one of them. Upset by the thought that he’d cursed the king and deserved death for it, Shimei was even more pained to realize he’d rebelled against God Himself. He hadn’t just behaved badly. He had sinned, and he felt the weight of it. 

David was touched by Shimei’s confession. Having sinned grievously himself, David appreciated the depth of Shimei’s anguish and extended to him the same grace and mercy God had extended to him when he’d done wrong by Uriah and Bathsheba. In doing so, David showed great spiritual maturity and glorified, or drew attention to, the holy, patient, loving God he served. 

Thank God for the opportunity to forgive and show others what your God is like.