(2 Sam 11:5 NLT) Later, when Bathsheba discovered that she was pregnant, she sent David a message, saying, “I’m pregnant.”
This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing.” Last week I introduced you to the story of David and Bathsheba. King David, who to this point had shown himself to be honorable in the sight of the Lord, made an egregious error and committed a terrible sin. David was not where he should have been (out to war with his men), he saw something he should not have seen (Bathsheba taking a bath), he thought things he should not have thought (about having sex with Bathsheba, even though he had his own personal harem), and he proceeded to do what he should not have done (have sex with Bathsheba), even after finding out that she was married to one of his own men. What David did was wrong on so many levels. The King sinned against the God who had placed him in the palace and had protected him all his life. David committed a grave transgression against a man who was out fighting valiantly in his name. He also took advantage of a woman whose husband was deployed and who had just come off her menstrual cycle. So not only was Bathsheba lonely because her husband was gone, but under the Levitical Law she could not have her normal interactions with others during her time of menstruation. After bathing herself to become clean of her issue of blood, she quickly welcomed the summoning of the King. David also violated his own integrity. He had proven himself to be a man of strong integrity when he refused to kill Saul, even though he had multiple chances to do so. With this act David sinned against God, against man, and against himself.
David summoned Bathsheba quickly, she came, they had sex, and he sent her away with equal haste. The Bible does not say that David pursued Bathsheba again. The Bible is silent in this regard and it seems to indicate that David looked at the ordeal as a ‘one-night-stand.’ David saw, he liked, he called, he tasted, and he sent Bathsheba away. Maybe realizing what he had done wrong and maybe hoping to never see her again. However, as these things often play-out, Bathsheba soon realized that she was pregnant. What David did in the dark, and what I am sure he was hoping would stay in the dark, wound up growing into a situation that was going to come out into the light. We will stop here for today.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. You have the power to resist the temptation to sin. James said, “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” We we are all tempted to sin, but we don’t have to succumb to the temptation. But if we do, the consequences are never good. James continued, “And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death” (James 1:12-15). If you don’t resist the temptation and you proceed to committing the sin, be quick to repent, because if you don’t, that one sin will lead to more sin.
2. What’s done in the dark does not stay in the dark. Jesus said, “For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all” (Luke 8:17). Sooner or later, what is done in the dark comes out. Don’t think you are going to get away with it, because few do. It’s much better to walk in the light, as God is in the light, so you can enjoy continued fellowship with the Father (1 John 1:7).
3. Sin spreads. When dealing with an immoral situation in the church Paul wrote, “Don’t you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough?” (1 Cor 5:6). Just like sin can spread through a church, it can also spread inside of you. Once you open the door to sin in one area of your life, it will attempt to spread to other areas and sin brings negative consequences. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that since you are under grace, and you have been forgiven of your sin, that you can sin without consequence. God loves you just the way you are, but He also loves you too much to leave you that way. God will allow you to reap the consequences of sin. Don’t think that the Blood of Jesus is a ‘Get Out Of Jail Free” card. Deal with the sin you have in one area of your life, before it spreads to others, because if you don’t, you will find yourself outside of the will of God. You will wake up one morning longing for the intimacy you once had with the Father.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for the reminder to walk in purity, holiness, righteousness, light and love. I am righteous, because You have made me righteous. I could never earn my righteousness and I am only righteous because of what Jesus did for me. However, the Blood of Jesus and Your grace do not give me a license to sin. I have been delivered from the power of sin and I therefore seek to walk in the freedom from sin that Christ Jesus died to give me. I walk in the light, as You are in the light, the Blood of Jesus cleanses me from all sin, and I am able to enjoy pure and intimate fellowship with You. I know I will be tempted to do wrong, but when I am tempted, I overcome the temptation. I submit myself to You, I resist satan, and Your Word says He will flee from me. Further, I crucify my flesh daily. Daily I seek to die to my old man and my old ways. The more I grow in You, the more I die to sin and I no longer allow sin to govern or rule me. I am free, forgiven and blessed. I enter this day knowing that I am covered by Your Blood, anointed by Your Spirit, and called according to Your purpose. I have been delivered from the power of sin and I allow Your light to flow through me, so that men would see Your good works and You would get the glory out of my life and living. I seek to live right before You, others, and myself. I believe You will use me today, and this week, as a conduit of Your light and love. I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
