Read 2 Samuel 10
Highlights:
Whenever we experience victories in life, we must never forget that Satan will tempt us to sin as he tempted David. Nathan's parable and David's repentance; birth of Solomon.
And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing (2 Sam. 11:11).
There is no doubt David had committed a great sin in taking Bathsheba. She was Uriah's wife. David's act of adultery caused a whole series of sins to come out of his life. These would include deception and even murder.
Whenever these scriptures are read, the focus is always on this sin of David's. This is rightfully so. It teaches us how we very rarely just sin once. Most of the time, trying to hide one sin will lead to more sin. There are also normally consequences. Even sins that are repented of have them. We may get forgiveness and escape hell, but there may be costs of an earthly nature that have to be paid.
However, something is often overlooked in this account of the Word of God; namely, the character of this man Uriah. Other than the fact that he was Bathsheba's husband and a soldier there is not much else we know about his life. From this verse, see a man with great character.
Uriah would not enjoy a night of pleasure in his home when there was fighting happening. His statement about the Ark and his brethren being on the battlefield shows the devotion and commitment that existed in this man's life. He brings to mind words that Christ would speak many years in the future. And he said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me (Luke 9:23).
Uriah was truly denying himself. He denied himself a good night's rest. He denied himself time with his wife. He also was devoted to what God's people were doing. He wanted to return to the battle against the enemies of Israel. His cross was being a soldier of God and he bore it well.
David could have learned much from the words this man spoke to him. But he was just too involved in his sin. Sin dulls the hearing of a godly message. For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them (Matt. 13:15).
The lesson is there for God's people today also. We may have things we want to do in life. There may be times we want some time for ourselves. We have something that brings us enjoyment to do. There is nothing wrong with that as long as sin is not involved. Just remember, any action can be sin if God is asking us to do something else at that time. Let us have the desire to get on God's battlefield.
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Heb. 9:14).
Thought for Today:
It is hard to undo the damage when a godly person greatly sins, but God's mercy still prevails.
Christ Revealed:
: In the prophet Nathan giving Solomon the name Jedidiah, which means beloved of the Lord (2 Sam. 12:24-25). Christ was greatly loved by His Heavenly Father. Jesus prayed: Father . . . Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world (John 17:24).
Word Studies:
10:12 play the men, show our courage and strength; 11:1 after the year was expired, in the spring of the following year; 11:8 mess of meat, gift of food; 12:4 spared, refused; 12:11 in the sight of this sun, publicly for all Israel to know; 12:31 put them under saws, enslaved, made to work with saws.
Prayer Suggestion: Pray for grace to overcome temptation, and God will reward you (James 1:12).
Optional Reading: Acts 15
Memory Verse for the Week: John 11:26
