The life of King David is important and central to our family story. He casts a shadow throughout the story. Jesus is known as David’s son. King David, while deeply flawed and broken, is known as “a man after God’s own heart.” How could this be? David is an adulterer, a murderer, and war monger. Yet, he also had integrity, faith, and contrite heart. David’s life teaches us, above all else, that God cares deeply for the broken and that his grace is beyond anything that we could imagine.
Because David’s story is big and covers so many different passages, we are going to treat it a little differently. We will focus on Psalm 51 because it truly highlights what was most important about David’s life. However, we will list out the other important passages for you to read to give context and color to the psalm.
Big Idea: God doesn’t demand perfection, but humility.
Key Passage: Psalm 51
David’s early life:
Calling: 1 Samuel 16
Goliath: 1 Samuel 17
Friendship: 1 Samuel 18:1-5
David’s trials:
Jealousy: 1 Samuel 18:6-16
Saul’s Rage: 1 Samuel 19 and following.
Integrity: 1 Samuel 24
David’s Kingship:
Anointed by Judah: 2 Samuel 2:1-7
Anointed by Israel: 2 Samuel 5:1-16
Covenant Unfolding: 2 Samuel 7
Bathsheba: 2 Samuel 11
Rebuked and Disciplined: 2 Samuel 12
David’s Census: 2 Samuel 24
Key Passage: Psalm 51
Discuss: What stands out to you? What do you not understand? What do you learn about God? What do you learn about people? How do you need to change? Who do you need to tell?
Activity: Between now and Sunday pray through this psalm everyday. Read it. Think on it. Ask God to show you areas of your life that need to be cleaned. Make a list of this areas on Saturday night on a piece of paper. Fold the paper in half. Read 1 John 1:9 and write it on the piece of paper. Then destroy it as a reminder that Jesus took those areas of your life to the cross and canceled them. He has forgiven you completely.
