Conference yukon::christian_v7

710.0. "A Tale of Two Kings" by TOKNOW::METCALFE (Eschew Obfuscatory Monikers) Tue Apr 04 1995 13:37

Pharoah of Egypt and King David of Israel are an interesting study in
comparison and contrast.  No doubt you may find more but I'll start this
string with one set of similarities and contrasts.

Pharoah was confronted by Moses to obey God's command to release the people
of Israel.   King David was confronted by Nathan about his sin of adultery 
and murder.  Each is confronted with the revelation of God's authority in
all matters.

Pharoah's response was to harden his heart; to disbelieve the word of God
through Moses.  Pharoah even challenged the God of Israel.  After all, his
beliefs and his gods should be as valid as those of the Israelite (slaves)
and their God.

King David's response was to soften his heart and repent.  He was convinced
of the truth of his sin.  He did not choose to ignore it but confront it.

Pharoah suffered the consequences of his pride.  King David suffered the
consequences of his sin.  And even though these two kings suffered for what
they had done, one king is shown to be defeated and the other (although
the consequences brought shame and a sword to his reign) is shown to have
repented and gone on to live with God.

What is the lesson?  We are each kings in our own right; sovereigns over
our destinies.  When we are confronted by God in one way or another, we
can defy God through many mechanisms (such as denial, defiance, rejection),
or we can yield to God's judgment *and* *mercy*.  King David, in another
judgment against him by God answered, "I am in a great strait: let us fall 
now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not 
fall into the hand of man."  (2 Samuel 24:14).

Woe to the soveriegns among us who are as Pharoah.  And thankful are we
who are like King David, that while we suffer the consequences of our sin,
have yielded to His sovereignty and place ourselves at His mercy, which is
abundantly able to cover our sin.

Mark

    Nice one Mark - certainly a challenge!!
    
    It reminds me of something God showed me concerning Peter and Judas:-
    
    In the same night Peter and Judas both failed Jesus, Peter in his
    denial and Judas in his betrayal. We often fail God in some way and, if
    you're like me, you hang on to your guilt for days, even weeks or
    months. But God is all forgiving and loving and He said to me "You are
    like Peter not Judas. Peter meant to do the right thing, he wanted to
    serve me and follow me but on the spur of the moment he failed - it was
    a snap incident. Judas, on the other hand, had preplanned his sin, he
    had thought over and determined his treacherous course. He had even
    been given chance to repent at the last supper but turned it down and
    carried on with his betrayal".
    
    I hope this helps somebody