Scripture:
II Samuel 11:1-5 NKJV
[1] It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. [2] Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof, he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. [3] So David sent and inquired about the woman. And someone said, “Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” [4] Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house. [5] And the woman conceived; so she sent and told David, and said, “I am with child.”
Observation:
I really love the story of King David. But honestly, who wouldn’t. He was destined to be king from a young age. Stepping into battle with a giant as a Shepherd boy and finding victory through his trust for the LORD. Then, being taken from the field to the kings palace to comfort the king as he seemingly loses his mind. He found victory in battle over and over to the point that the people started to praise him over the king. He lived a very successful life. The way he was described is a man after GOD’S own heart. But looking at the scripture above, you might think a little differently. After finding all the success in life, battle, and as king of GOD’S chosen people. We find him out of position. Getting complacent. In the spring, when he should be in battle with his men. He sends them and stays home instead. Waking up from a nap lat in the evening on the roof top of the palace, he sees the wife of one of his mighty men of valor bathing. Tempted by her beauty, he takes the hook. Who is she? bring her to me. Her name is Bathsheba… she is the wife of Uriah. Pushing past what he knew was right, he followed his flesh instead and found himself committing adultery. Anyone who has been reading the bible for any length of time has come across this story. David’s success and complacency put him in a spot where he was just far enough out of position to fall into sin. He was probably thinking he got away with it. But I don’t know if you noticed the statement that she was cleaning herself from her impurity. Health class, as a young boy, taught me that this is the easiest time to get a woman pregnant. I’m sure we know the rest of the story Bathsheba finds herself with child, and King David’s sin is exposed, grasping at straws for some way to cover it up he has Uriah killed in the front lines of battle.
Application:
I would love to go on with the story because I find the life lessons in the bible very applicable. I have seen success create complacency in many people, including myself, more than once. For me, the key is never letting my guard down. It’s easy for pride to sneak in, and although you might not even see it, you may think you have gotten yourself somewhere. Saying things like look how far I have come. All the while, GOD is the one who has brought you out of the muck into his glorious light. King David thought he had done something and deserved a break. The confidence he had in his men was admirable but put him out of position and in danger. I can’t tell you how many times I have found myself in that very same position. Would find myself getting comfortable with where I am and forgetting to take care of and maintain the relationship that got me there. Thinking about how the bible gives clear directions. I think about the words of Jesus,” die to YOURSELF daily, pick up your cross and follow me.” This helps me to remember that we can’t really take days off from GOD, granted that if you are involved in some kind of ministry, I believe it’s important to make sure you have a day to refill your cup, but never let your guard down always maintain your relationship with the Father. The enemy is lurking, waiting, prowling, searching for a chink in your armor. He is very patient and sneaky. He will make you think you did something and deserve to relax. All the while, he is waiting to dethrone what GOD has done through you. I have fallen to this trick myself more than once. Pride turns to complacency, and complacency turns to laziness, and laziness turns to a hard fall. I honestly never want that to happen again. Involving others in my walk with Jesus has helped me in so many ways. Guarding myself against myself. We are our own worst enemy. The Bible tells us to press on. That means when we don’t want to or when we don’t think we can. The LORD will renew your strength. HE will give you more vigor. Hide under the shadow of HIS wings, make HIM your strong tower. Involve others in your walk. Don’t get caught alone. GOD has made us for community. HE has designed us to be around others for accountability and fellowship. Seek wise counsel stay in the bible. Your relationship with the Father is what matters. HE will guide your steps. As you stay connected to the vine.
Prayer:
Father, you are honestly still so amazing to me. You have given us all the answers to life’s problems and all in one book. Our job is to keep it fresh on our hearts. Help us to always crave more of you. Pressing into you every day. Fill our cup with your Holy Spirit. Lead our every step. Help us to guard against pride and complacency. The fall hurts, and we just don’t want to hurt anymore. We know that if we stay connected to you close to you right under the shadow of your wings, we are going to be safe. We don’t want to find ourselves thinking we got to where we are on our own. You have brought us out of the darkness. Help us be a light so that others can find their way out as well. You are the very air we breathe. Prune the branches but never cut us off from you. We want more of you and less of ourselves. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.