Read II Samuel 10 -- 12
In Today's Reading:
The Ammonites and the Syrians are defeated; Bathsheba and David; Nathan's parable and David's repentance; birth of Solomon
David, King of Israel, had never lost a war and had grown accustomed to getting what he wanted. In the springwhen kingsmarch out to war, David sent Joab out with his officers and the troops of all Israel. . . . but David remained in Jerusalem (II Samuel 11:1). Satan always has something or someone to attract us when we are in a position to gratify our fleshly desires. He always presents sin as both attractive and satisfying.
For David, his spiritual defeat began with a look of lust at the beautiful Bathsheba. David knew that adultery was a wicked sin against God and was punishable by death (Leviticus 20:10). But, David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he lay with her. . . . Afterwards, she returned home (II Samuel 11:4). One sin usually leads to unforeseen complications as well as other evils.
From the moment David first lusted after Bathsheba until their marriage, no one interfered with their pleasure. However, about one year later, Nathan the prophet boldly confronted David: Why . . . have you despised the word of the LORDby doing . . . evil? (12:9). Because of David's adultery, Nathan foretold: Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your housebecause you despised Me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own wife.This is what the LORDsays, I am about to cause trouble to rise up against youfrom your own household: I will take your wives before your very eyes and give them to another,and he will lie with them openly (12:10-11) Deeply grieved and repentant in his spirit, David confessed: I have sinned against the LORD.Then Nathan replied to David, The LORD has taken away your sin; you won't die (12:13).
Although forgiven, for the next 20 years, the last half of his reign, until his death, David's sorrows and sufferings never ceased from that one night of yielding to his lust. Because of David's sincere repentance, as record in Psalm 51, God forgave him. But forgiveness does not remove the results as foretold by Nathan the prophet . Nationally, his victories in conquering the promised land were finished. During the last twenty years of his reign, David could have conquered everything west to the Nile and east to the Euphrates as God had promised Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21). Furthermore, his family suffered murder, incest, rivalry, and attempts were made to murder David and seize the throne.
In addition to facing God on Judgment Day, no one can avoid the bitter consequences of yielding to the temptation of lust. Don't be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap (Galatians 6:7)
Christ Revealed:
In the prophet Nathan giving Solomon the name Jedidiah, which meansbeloved of the Lord(II Samuel 12:24-25). Christ was greatly loved by the Father . Jesus prayed: You loved Me before the world's foundation (John 17:24).
Prayer Needs:
Country: Yemen (17 million) in southwestern Arabia · Major language: Arabic · Attempts to convert Muslims to Christ are fiercely opposed · 98% Muslim; .03% Christian (all secret believers) · Prayer Suggestion: When you pray, be brief and pray from your heart (Ecclesiastes 5:2).
Optional Reading: Acts 15
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 10:17