When the Past Came Calling

Date: 24/11/25

Scriptural Reference: Psalm 51:12 (NIV): "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

Welcome to today's devotion. Be blessed as you read in Jesus' name. Amen.

In 2023, the global outcry against bullying in high schools became more prominent. With an increasing number of voices opposing bullying, it is crucial to reflect on how past actions can resurface in our lives.

The Story of Matilda: What Goes Around Comes Around (Fiction)

Matilda (not her real name) had been nominated for the position of secretary in the National Women's Affairs office in her country. This position was considered highly prestigious, offering the opportunity to dine with influential people and serve in a significant capacity.

However, just as her name began to circulate in the national dailies and on social media, an old schoolmate posted that Matilda was an unsuitable candidate due to her past as a bully in high school. The post stated, in part, "Matilda cannot be the best candidate to advance the interests of women in this country because of her history as a senior in high school." The poster, who had been a junior to Matilda, shared horrific stories of how junior students had suffered at her hands.

Initially, many dismissed the post as a smear campaign from those vying for the same position, suggesting it was the work of jealous rivals. However, more witnesses began to come forward, sharing verifiable accounts from their school records. It became increasingly clear that Matilda had indeed been a bully, seizing provisions from younger students and punishing anyone who dared to report her to the housemistress. As outrage grew, Matilda was replaced in her nomination. This situation serves as a perfect illustration of how "what goes around comes around." Did Matilda ever foresee that her past misdeeds would come back to haunt her, leading to her national disgrace? Likely not.

THE STORY OF KING DAVID

In 2 Samuel 11-12, King David committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of one of his loyal soldiers, Uriah. While walking on his palace rooftop one afternoon, David saw Bathsheba bathing. After inquiring about her, he summoned her and slept with her. When Bathsheba informed David that she was pregnant, he concocted a plan to deceive Uriah into believing the child was his. David called Uriah back from war, hoping he would sleep with his wife. However, Uriah refused, stating it wasn't the right time while his fellow soldiers were in battle. Frustrated, David sent Uriah back to the front lines and instructed the commander to place Uriah in a position where he would be killed.

After Uriah's death, David married Bathsheba. However, God was angered by David’s actions and sent the prophet Nathan to confront him about his sins. David earnestly begged for mercy, fearing that his name would be blotted from God's book.

The Consequences of David's Actions

Though God did not kill David, He imposed three significant consequences for David’s adultery and murder:

1. The rebellion of his children, Amnon and Absalom. His first child slept with one of his wives (2 Samuel 18:1-18, 2 Samuel 15:1-22).

2. The child born to Bathsheba fell sick and died.

3. David faced serious aggression from his enemies.

In Psalm 32, David earnestly sought God’s mercy and forgiveness. He publicly confessed his sins in Psalm 51 and 2 Samuel 12:13.

LIFE LESSONS FROM KING DAVID'S STORY

God removed His favor, mercy, and blessings from David, illustrating the consequences of sin. Similarly, Matilda lost what could have established her as a national icon. We must remember that our past actions can resurface and ruin our present successes.

ASSIGNMENT :Let’s strive to live a life full of good deeds and love. One day, we will be held accountable for our actions, whether here on earth or beyond.

LET’S PRAY: Thank You, Father, for Your words to us today. We acknowledge that we are imperfect in our dealings with others. Please forgive us for any misdeeds we have committed in the past and cleanse us of our sins in Jesus' name. Amen.