When King David, a man after God’s own heart committed sins, he had to pay for it. He didn’t get away with his wrong. Yes, he was spiritually forgiven. Yes, God held to His word and kept David’s bloodline ruling over His nation – Jesus is the ruling king. But David still had to pay. A punishment still had to be completed. (2 Samuel 11-12; 1 Chronicles 21)

As we hear of church leaders being removed from their positions, let us remember that The Holy Spirit still spoke through them. (1 Cor 3) Many good things came through their ministry. Let us also remember that like King David, a punishment must be fulfilled.

As ambassadors for Jesus we are held to a higher standard. This is not just for church leaders but for every believer. When we fall from this expectation, we must go before Jesus and ask forgiveness. And yes, because of His death on the cross we are forgiven. Through His blood, our spiritual slate is wiped clean. But, we must also ask if there is something He wants us to do to right the wrong.

Remember Zaccheus? He returned any wrongly taken money with interests. (Luke 19) Remember Ananias in Acts 5? He and his wife received their punishment for their wrong doing.

As truth rolls out, let us keep our eyes on Jesus for strength and encouragement. Let us pray for those who are strongly affected by what is exposed. Let us also remember that there is hope – hope for restoration, hope for renewal, hope for revival.

See Romans 15:13; Hebrews 6:19; Psalm 42:5.

With God, there is hope.