Key Text: 2 Samuel 12:13 KJV - And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.

King David had secretly committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later plotted the murder of her husband. After the death of Uriah, David took Bathsheba to be his wife. Although the king tried to cover his sin from men, he could not hide it from God. When the Lord sent Prophet Nathan to David and uncovered his secret sin, he promptly repented in humility, saying: "I have sinned against the LORD".

According to the Jewish laws of the Old Testament, the sins of adultery and murder attracted death penalty. But the power of repentance cancelled the death penalty in the case of David: "The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die". God's Word declares; "He that covereth his sins shall not proper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" - Proverbs 28:13. Repentance attracts God's forgiveness.

The power of repentance is still in operation today. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness - 1 John 1:9. No matter how enormous your sin may be, the grace of God is greater. You will be forgiven, the moment you realise, acknowledge, repent and confess your sins, receiving Jesus as Lord and personal Saviour.

Prayer: O Lord, help me to humble myself and repent of every sin, in Jesus name. Amen.

Reflection: I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish - Luke 13:3.