REPENT 

Repentance (from the Greek word METANOIA) signifies a profound change of mind and direction. Rather than making excuses or blaming others, true repentance involves admitting our mistakes. Consider the example of King David, who turned to God to confess his actions as “very foolish” (1 Chronicles 21:8). David assumed responsibility; he did not shift the blame to Joab. Repentance encompasses three essential aspects: Admit our sin and mistakes > Assuming Responsibility for our actions > Accepting Consequences. 

In another instance, he wrote a deeply personal confession when he was younger (Psalm 51:1-4). He fully owned his mistakes, demonstrating genuine repentance by acknowledging his transgressions and iniquities. Sin always has collateral damage, affecting others in ways we may not immediately recognize. 

The Bible reminds us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7). This fear acts as a shield, preventing us from making foolish decisions. True repentance involves more than mere sorrow; it leads to salvation. Unlike those who feel sorrowful only because they were caught (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), genuine repentance transforms hearts and eventually leads to complete obedience. 

OBEY 

A.W. Tozer wisely states, “The Bible recognizes no faith that does not lead to obedience, nor does it recognize any obedience that does not spring from faith. The two are at opposite sides of the same coin.”  Let’s contrast King David with his predecessor, King Saul, whom God removed and replaced with David. 

When Samuel confronted Saul for building a monument for himself (1 Samuel 15:12). Saul made excuses and declared that he had “carried out the command of the LORD.” Samuel rebuked Saul for his disobedience, but Saul persisted. He blamed the people and even offered a seemingly “spiritual” excuse. Samuel’s memorable reminder to Saul was clear: “To obey is better than sacrifice” (vv. 22-23). Samuel equated Saul’s rebellion and insubordination to idolatry and witchcraft – actions detestable to God. This ultimately led to Saul’s rejection as king. 

Partial and delayed obedience is disobedience! The one who loves God is the one who keeps His commandments (John 14:21). 

WORSHIP 

Worship is the proper response to who God is, what He has done, continues to do, and what He will do in the future. To truly worship, we must intimately know and experience God. It is a heart response that grows, as our knowledge of Him deepens. David’s exaltation and acknowledgment of God reveal a high view of His greatness, majesty, authority, power, and rulership (1 Chronicles 29:10-13. David recognized that everything he possessed belonged to God and responded with gratitude. 

Even when faced with God’s merciful judgment, David understood that God’s love, mercy, and compassion are unfailing (Lamentations 3:22-23).  In a critical moment, when the angel of the LORD threatened pestilence upon Israel, King David faced a weighty decision (1 Chronicles 21:14-22). The consequences were dire, and David had to choose the form of judgment. To solve the problem of sin and pestilence, David was commanded to build an altar to the Lord on Ornan the Jebusite’s field. Ornan offered the place for free, but David insisted on purchasing it because he did not want to offer to God what cost him nothing. David built the altar, offered sacrifices, and shed blood — the price of forgiveness. This very place later became the site where Solomon built the temple (2 Chronicles 3:1) – Mount Moriah, where centuries later, Jesus would willingly lay down His life for humanity. The altar of old foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice — the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. 

When we surrender everything to God, even our mistakes, something disastrous can transform into a blessing. We allow His redemption to cover our faults and set us free. He truly deserves all honor, glory, and praise!