A Bad Man's Sweet Sound

He wrote a song in the aftermath of what may have been the most dastardly, evil deed done in his years of living.  The song came from despair and conviction.  He had been called out.  His deeds done in the dark had been revealed, and his sinfulness was laid bare before him and the world.  

His act of adultery and treachery would become renowned throughout the world, a lasting tale to stand the test of time.  The song that came from his brokenness would become a standard among those yet to be born, an anthem for those in need of forgiveness and salvation.  

The sin? Sleeping with another man’s wife, with one whom he did not marry, was just the first step in a downward spiral that ended with the death of a loyal man.  Of course the woman was beautiful, a tempting beauty that would entice.  The timing was all wrong.  He was supposed to be in the field of war, away from home and nowhere near the temptation a woman brings.  But he stayed behind, sending others to run his campaigns.  

He slept with her.  With his power he took that which was not his.  He violated a covenant in secret.  In guilt he tried to cover up his act.  He tried to make it go away, concealing his actions.  He brought her husband back from the battle to allow him to lay with her.  But a righteous man is loyal to his king and to his brothers on the field.  The husband would not enjoy his own home or a night with his wife while his comrades were fighting the enemy.  

He must die.  This loyal man, faithful husband and servant to the king must die to conceal the guilt of the one he served.  So he sent the husband back to the war and put him on the front lines.  He instructed his generals to draw back and leave the husband without defense to be swallowed up by an angry enemy.  A loyal man died.  

The song?  A prophet was told and was sent.  A man of God was chosen to reveal that which was hidden.  God chastens those He loves.  The man would not be destroyed by hidden sin.  All is revealed and judgement is declared.  Now the death of a loyal husband would be joined with the death of a child born in the sinful act of a man.  The blame for loss of husband and child would rest on the head of a man who hid behind his power.   

A cry was heard.  Repentance, heartfelt and true, declared by a guilt ridden king.  Out of this cry came a song.  “Have mercy on me, O God…” A man is forgiven.  Salvation from sin is delivered.  “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”  Anyone can be saved.  Anyone can be forgiven.

Psalms 51