The Abuse of Power and the Grace of God: Biblical Monologues

By Fraser Keay

At the pinnacle of his reign, King David, a man after God's own heart, made a life-defining decision that would have terrible consequences for his life and family. Using those sections of Scripture which give the details of this period of his life, the author creatively gives David a voice whilst staying true to the intent of the text. Enjoy listening to David recount his biggest mistake...and the grace of God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Illumine Press
• Release date: Aug 5, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393554721

Fraser Keay

Fraser (M.Div., Denver Seminary) has served on staff in churches in several countries. During that time he has recruited, encouraged and developed a number of younger leaders in their 20's and 30's. Some of his books reflect his continued interest in leadership development, while others are aimed at helping Christians more generally, or those curious about the Christian faith. Fraser and his wife currently live in Scotland and have grown-up children, and several grandchildren.

Book preview

Part One: Signs

I didn’t see it coming. Then again, you rarely do.

But looking back the signs were there: growing laziness, feelings of ‘having arrived’, going through the motions, gradually isolating myself from the men closest to me who could help keep me accountable. Zeal for God moved out; selfishness moved in.

I ended up rebelling against the Lord, and my actions caused the death of two people. And I’ve been heavily disciplined as a result.

Yet the grace of God has been evident throughout. I deserved to die, but God spared me.

Let me introduce myself properly, and tell you where it all went so wrong.

My name is David, King of Israel. Our country is the most dominant power in the region. Across the Jordan River, a little east of here, is a small country called Ammon. I was on good terms with Nahash, the King of Ammon.

One day I received the news that he had died. We’d enjoyed excellent diplomatic relations, so I sent a delegation to offer my condolences to his son, Hanun, his successor. I dispatched three trusted officials, accompanied by six soldiers, together with a gift.

Two days later I received a report that stank like a festering wound. The Ammonite officials who had received my delegation treated them shamefully. Foolishly presuming I’d sent them to spy out their capital city, they arrested the men. Pinning them down they then shaved off half their beards, cut off their clothes at the buttocks, and then sent them away.

Humiliated, they began their journey home. But I sent messengers to tell them to stay in Jericho, a town just inside our border, until their beards had grown back.

The Ammonites panicked when they realised their error and mobilised thousands of troops. They even hired soldiers from surrounding countries. They would need the protection: their border was only a day’s march away, and on their own they were no match for us.

Yet I sent Joab, my army commander, out with the entire army. He pushed through to the capital city, sweeping aside any opposition. That’s the first time I can remember not leading from the front. Looking back I don’t know what I was thinking.

But indifference creeps up on you. It’s not like it knocks on your door one morning and says, ‘Greetings, my name is Indifference. Why don’t you follow my lead today and start not caring anymore, start delegating things you shouldn’t, stop