2 Samuel 11-13

April 4

2 Samuel 11-13

Up to this point, we see David as this great king and man of God. David’s problem was the problem many people face. David became complacent. David sent Joab out with the king’s men at the time when kings go off to war. David stayed home instead of tending to the duties God had given him as king over Israel. This opened the door for David to look out over his kingdom and see Bathsheba bathing. Then he asked about her. He was told she was the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah. That information did not put a check on David. He sent for her, brought her to himself, and slept with her. He abused his power over her. David did not think he would get caught. He saw a beautiful woman he was king he could do as he pleased. But his sin found him out. Bathsheba became pregnant.

As king, David thought he could cover over his sin. He sent for Bathsheba’s husband and brought him from the battle. Uriah refused to sleep with his wife while the rest of the men were on the battle front. David conspired and had Uriah killed in battle. One sin led to another which led to another. This man who was so devoted to God and following His direction, fell off a cliff.

The devil continues to try to trip us up. God will empower us to walk in obedience to Him if we will keep our yes on Him and will listen to Him. But God does not take away our free will. Staying home from battle may not have seemed like a big deal to David. Looking out over the kingdom may not have been a bad thing. Seeing Bathsheba bathing could have been an accident, but focusing on her, asking about her, sending for her, all led down a slippery slope that led to adultery and murder.

James the brother of Jesus wrote; "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7, NIV) Paul wrote to young Timothy; "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:22, NIV)

Do not let your guard down. Continue to listen as God speaks to you. If you begin to slip, repent and turn back to God before the sin snowballs. God forgave David his sin, but the consequences took the life of his son conceived in the adulterous affair and led to the dysfunction of David’s family. Sin is costly. Our sin cost Jesus His life.