This past week has been a sad tale in the new glorious age of America. The media has been awash with open tirades between Elon Musk and the great President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump. I had written an article in praise of Elon Musk after the November 5 presidential elections, in which he and others played a role that contributed to the victory of President Trump and, by extension, the American people. I called him a hero.
Sadly, the events of last week culminated in a scenario that made it seem as if Satan had gained the upper hand. Nevertheless, America remains strong.
David, a former king of Israel, was once a young, nomadic herdsman, unknown and unnoticed throughout Israel. Even the prophet Samuel, whom God had sent to anoint him as king, did not initially recognize him. David seemed too small and ruddy to be king, but he was God’s choice. When David became king, he was deceived by the common enemy of humanity, Satan, and became blinded to his benefactor, God. David thought he had power, wealth, and fame, and that he could act at will. Power, indeed, can corrupt.
He saw a beautiful woman who was already married to one of his subjects. Without consulting God, David slept with her and orchestrated her husband’s death to make her his wife. God was displeased and told David that he deserved to die.
“Then Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: “I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.”’” – 2 Samuel 12:7- 9
Sin is a grievous matter in the world. It has brought suffering, pain, and death. Yet God remains gracious to us, because we are His. The difference among sinners lies in repentance.
John reminds us,
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:8-9
And Solomon recognized, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13
“Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ Nathan replied, ‘The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.’” – 2 Samuel 12:13
Repentance was the game changer. David remained a man after God’s heart.
If everything in the world between people goes smoothly without conflict, we might start believing Satan does not exist. But Jesus told His disciples,
“It is impossible that no offenses should come.” – Luke 17:1 (paraphrased)
And indeed, offenses arise from Satan. But we overcome him when we take steps to correct our wrongs toward one another, and when those who are wronged are given the heart and grace to forgive.
Kudos to all whom God used to persuade Elon Musk to do the right thing. We thank God who prevailed over him to listen to reason.
We have seen President Trump demonstrate a kind heart on various occasions, forgiving those who wronged him and treating them as though nothing had ever happened. I believe this situation will follow that same path.
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” – Matthew 6:12
When we forgive others, we not only restore our relationship with God, who always forgives us, but we also make the world a better place.
Michael Jolayemi is the Author of:
- Saving America: The war we can’t ignore
- Sheltered Through the Storm: The Travails and Ultimate Triumph of the Church
- The Mysteries of God, the Origin We Don’t Know, the Eternity We Should Believe
- Watch out for his next book – Defying Death – How to Live and Not Die
