March 7, 2025

Dear Friends, 

This Sunday we will continue our sermon series on the story of David as found in 2 Samuel 11-12. If you were to ask most people what they might consider  the most famous story of David some would refer to the story of David and Goliath. The next most infamous story would likely be the story of David and Bathsheba. In this sermon series we have seen David at his best. He has resisted retaliation against Saul. He has been a good friend to Jonathan. He has been faithful to his call as the Lord’s anointed in some challenging times. Yet in this episode we see David at his worst. Covetousness. Control. Adultery. Deceit. Murder. How could David, “a man after God’s own heart” behave in such a way? The answer is sin. David is human and as such he is fallible and fallen. And if we think we are morally superior to David then we need to hear this story again and examine our own hearts because whether we like it or not we too are also fallible and fallen. When sin gets a hold of us we can spiritually drift into places that are far from God. The good news of this story is that David is contrite and broken before God and he repents of his sin. Yes he is fallen but he is also forgiven. “Create in me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me” is his prayer found in Psalm 51. Friends, it seems to me that this is more than just a well known story of David but in many ways it is our story and perhaps a good starting point for all of us as we begin the season of Lent. As we journey towards the cross we are confronted by our own sin and the way in which God has dealt with our sin through the sacrifice of Jesus the anointed king and Son of God. We are fallen and yet we are forgiven through his sacrifice. This is reason enough to worship and give thanks. So join me on Sunday as we explore this story in a message called “The Story of David: Fallen and Forgiven”.

My thanks is extended to everyone who has connected, written, called or e-mailed this past week concerning the announcement last Sunday of my retirement on July 1st. The next several months will be one of transition as I gradually let go of the pastoral leadership of Glenbrook. The Presbytery of Brampton will begin to implement either an Interim Moderator or Minister in the next several months. The leadership of Glenbrook will be in good hands through our Session, Board and Staff so I ask that you pray for them also in this transition. God is faithful and will be with Glenbrook through this time.   

Blessings   

Pastor Ian