As an adolescent David defeated the giant Goliath. As a man he practiced repentance on an ongoing basis. As king he learned the hard way that obedience is not a natural human tendency.
Like King David, we all have allowed our flesh to rule our lives at one time or another by believing this lie.
No one will get hurt.
As the king of Israel, David was God’s governmental and spiritual representative. People did not question his actions.
David was a role model. People looked to him for guidance because he was the standard by which others lead their own lives.
But on that spring evening David ignored his godly responsibilities. Righteousness was the farthest thing from his mind as he walked around on the flat roof of his palace.
A beautiful young woman was down below in her courtyard. Bathing as her religion required.
David happened to see her, and he sent one of his servants to find out who she was. The servant came back and told David, “Her name is Bathsheba. She is the daughter of Eliam, and she is the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” 2 Samuel 11:2-4
On that fateful evening that forever changed the lives of so many. Bathsheba was relaxing. The purification bathing ritual was a time of relaxation and refreshing.
Momentarily she was able to wash away the loneliness and fear. Her constant companions when Uriah was away fighting for King David and the nation of Israel. She desperately missed him. Uriah’s presence always assured her that she was safe and loved. Nurturing the hope that one day the laughter of children would fill their home.
Bathsheba’s daydreaming was suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door. An audible gasp escaped from her mouth. The churning in the pit of her stomach was not hunger but terror.
This could not be good. No one knocks on your door at night with good news. As she swung open the door, she mentally prepared herself for the news that Uriah was dead. Killed in battle.
Relief flooded over her when the men identified themselves as messengers of King David. She was to go immediately with them to the palace.
Walking with the men the short distance to the palace. A torrent of thoughts flooded Bathsheba’s mind.
What does the king want with me?
What have I done?
Am I in trouble?
Once in the bedchambers of King David, it was obvious why she was there. If she said no and resisted, she would be disobeying the King of Israel. Not only would she be risking her life but also her husband’s.
Alone and helpless Bathsheba consented and slept with King David.
How could this happen?
How could David use his position of authority to commit an act so vile and contemptible?
What had hardened his heart?
Unrepentant sin!
David’s initial act of disobedience created an avalanche. Sin begetting more sin.
David foolishly believed the consequences of sin could be contained— controlled.
The devil could be kept at bay.
The Lord would come to his rescue, regardless of the condition of his heart or the sin in his life.
Choosing to ignore. The wages of the righteous— the upright— those in right standing with God is a worthwhile— meaningful life. The income of the wicked— punishment.
He who learns from instruction and correction is on the right path of life. For others his example is a path toward wisdom and blessing. But he who ignores and refuses correction goes off course. For others his example is a path toward sin and ruin. Proverbs 10:16-17
Like a cancer spreading throughout his soul, sin was silencing God’s truth. David’s thoughts and actions no longer conformed to the Word of God. Instead of thinking on whatever is true.
Whatever is honorable and worthy of respect.
Whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word.
Whatever is pure and wholesome.
Whatever is lovely and brings peace.
Whatever is admirable and of good repute. Philippians 4:8
David’s thoughts revolved around his desires. The ugliness of sin was invisible because David’s eyes were no longer focused on the Lord and His beauty.
Each day that David remained in his self-imposed prison of sin. His fear and awe of the Lord’s holiness decreased, and the darkness in his heart intensified. Making it easier for David to believe more of the devil’s destructive lies.
Be a VOICE shouting into the wilderness.
“CHRIST is returning!”
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