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The Leadership ChallengeSample

The Leadership Challenge

DAY 17 OF 50

  

Challenge 17

DAVID: AFTER MORAL FAILURE

READ: 2 Samuel 11:1—12:31

David is described in the Scriptures as a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), yet he was certainly not perfect. In fact, he committed both adultery and murder—two offenses that deserved the death sentence under the law of Moses. In this reading, David the king lingers in the capital, neglecting his duties while his army is in the field. He pursues Bathsheba even after he learns she is the wife of Uriah, one of his commanders. He tries to cover up his role in the resulting pregnancy by making it appear that Uriah is the father. When this fails, he orders Uriah to be placed in a dangerous position on the battlefield so that he will be killed. It takes a carefully crafted intervention by the prophet Nathan before David will admit his fault and repent. Psalm 32 and 51 are often connected with this story. We see God forgiving David, continuing to use him and even redeeming his relationship with Bathsheba. But Nathan’s prophecy will prove true: David will face painful consequences in his life, his family, and his nation as a result of his moral failure.

There will be times when we and those we lead will act in ways that require God’s uncomfortable and restorative grace. According to the reading, how was David confronted with his sin? How does he respond in this passage? In Psalms 32 and 51? Are you trying to hide a moral failure? Are there leaders in your team who need caring confrontation?

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About this Plan

The Leadership Challenge

The Bible doesn’t discuss leadership like a popular business book. However, since God is the creator of everything that exists as well as the rules and processes by which everything works, the Scriptures do provide principles and examples that give us insight and wisdom into effective leadership. The social and cultural backgrounds of the Bible are different than ours, but the Scriptures contain truth that transcends time and space.

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