Back forty decisions often backfire – badly. Yesterday we introduced David’s approach to the back forty of his life. (For our purposes the Back Forty not about the latter years of life. Rather, it is a metaphor for distancing ourselves from God.) One of the bad choices he made during those years was to accumulate many wives and concubines (2 Samuel 5:13-16). Even though God was merciful it was a costly decision, both personally and publicly. It led to rape, rebellion, and death among his own children, and set a pattern that even the wise Solomon foolishly followed.

We may not follow that pattern, but we still make bad back forty decisions. They may not impact a nation, but they will have an impact on us, our family, and our friends. Today’s Morning Minutes in the Bible on Throwback Thursday explores the importance of recognizing those impacts and making better choices.

Choice And Consequence by Dan Shipley. From PLAIN TALK Magazine, July 1980. http://www.wordsfitlyspoken.org/plain_talk/v17/v17n5p3.html

Once again Dan has nailed it. This is exactly why 2 Samuel 5:13-16 has great value as an object lesson for us. David made choices that endorsed and encouraged evil conduct among his sons. And, even though he was penitent, and God was merciful, the earthly consequences rocked Israel to its core.

Thankfully God is merciful still. Even though the earthly consequences may remain, we too can be forgiven of our bad back forty decisions – if we will repent like David. And right now is the right time. If you need help understanding and implementing repentance feel free to reach out to me on FB, YouTube, or by email at anamericanmisionarybg.com. I hope to hear from you.