Lessons from David’s Sin
We have had at least one more day of summer temperatures before returning to more normal spring days this week. After some office work and email correspondence, I did get to the fitness center for a workout. I actually got back to the swimming pool after a few months of absence from that routine. I found it interesting that I didn’t feel as strong swimming now as the last time when that was more a regular part of my routine. I guess I will have to get myself back into “swim condition.”
I believe I have mentioned in the past that my regular Bible reading routine involves reading in an Old Testament book, a New Testament Book and Psalms or Proverbs or one of the other books of poetry or prophecy. So there is usually something that catches my attention, that forms the basis for my devotional thoughts.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I have sinned against the Lord,” David said. Nathan replied, “The Lord forgives you; you will not die. But because you have shown such contempt for the Lord in doing this, your child will die.” 2 Samuel 12:13,14
David’s sin with Bathsheba is one of the most well known stories of the Bible. But in this failure of David are some lessons that are important for us all.
First of all, we see that David was in the wrong place at the wrong time. At this time, David was still young enough and strong enough to over see the battles of Israel. But for an unknown reason, he stays behind and sends out Joab to command the armies. David finds himself in the palace “at ease” and unguarded.
I recall leadership guru John Maxwell stating, “unseized time flows to the area of our weakness” or in this case, a lack of focus makes one vulnerable to temptation.
The Lord’s forgiveness was immediate. We do see David’s recorded prayer in Psalm 51, but in this passage when David openly confesses his sin, the pronouncement of forgiveness is immediate. Many struggle so much over whether or not God will forgive that they miss out on knowing God’s grace and mercy that is more readily available than we realize. “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)
Forgiveness does not negate consequences. The child conceived by Bathsheba died. We see David knowing the Lord is merciful, praying and fasting for the child until that time came. The death of the child was the more immediate consequence but we see that was not the only consequence. Nathan, the prophet’s message to David was, “Now, in every generation some of your descendants will die a violent death because you have disobeyed me and have taken Uriah’s wife.” (2 Samuel 12:10)
Then we can observe the Lord’s gracious act of redemption. Bathsheba became David’s wife and gave birth to a son, Solomon. Solomon became the successor to David’s throne. Under the reign of Solomon Israel experienced unprecedented peace and prosperity. Solomon was the wisest and wealthiest King of his day. When he was born the prophet Nathan, named Solomon, “Jedidiah.” Jedidiah means “loved by God.”
We may stumble and fall and experience the consequences of actions, but hearts that are open to the Lord will find that He is there to forgive, restore and redeem.