Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 10, 2019
In the spring time of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab with his officers and all Israel with him; they ravaged the Ammonites, and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. It happened, late one afternoon, when David rose from his couch and was walking about on the roof of the king’s house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; the woman was very beautiful. 2 Samuel 11:1-2
In 2 Samuel 11 we encounter David in one of the most famous, and tragic, moments of his entire life. Though his adultery and the death and deception that followed are well known, we must also reflect upon how David found himself in this situation in the first place. How does “a man after God’s heart” (Acts 13:22) find himself committing both adultery and murder? When news breaks of prominent Christian leaders falling from grace, perhaps you find yourself asking similar questions. When your own life unravels and you find yourself compromised in ways you never could have imagined, undoubtedly you find yourself asking the same painful question: “How did this happen?”
David’s first and foundational mistake was his failure to honor his commitments before God and his people. David didn’t set out and resolve with a clear head to commit adultery. Few people ever do. His sin began with a life of spiritual apathy and lethargy. As king he was meant to lead the charge in battle, modeling for those in his charge the fearless courage required for victory. Instead, he passes his responsibility off on others, asking them to do the hard, sacrificial work of leadership while he rests and reclines at home. David’s rest was not a form of healthy rejuvenation and renewal but a physical laziness born out of spiritual laziness.
The LORD invites us into intentional rhythms of prayer, work, study, and service that form an unshakable foundation upon which the rest of our lives are built. Faithfulness and fidelity are not built upon good intentions and fingers-crossed optimism. They are forged in the fire of daily intimacy with the Lord. They are found in the life of a woman who daily renews in her heart her vows to the Lord and her spouse. They are present in the man who is true to his word and daily dies to his love of self and need for comfort.
Chances are you aren’t a king or queen with royal expectations and the eyes of a nation upon you. However, every single person has their own sphere of influence, and the world is desperate to see in the church the embodiment of our beliefs. Our failure to live what we preach will have disastrous consequences on our life with God, not to mention our marriages, children, and friendships. However, our faithfulness to God will set ablaze entire communities with the light of Christ, a light that shines in the darkness and cannot be overcome. (John 1:5) The world is longing for modern day saints. Are you willing to answer the call?
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).
Prayer
Father, set us on fire with your love that we may model faithfulness and steadfastness in every area of life, for our good and your glory. Amen.
Application
Are there habits or patterns in your life that have you exposed and vulnerable to catastrophic decisions?
Related Reading
Matthew 25:21; 1 Corinthians 4:2; Revelation 2:10
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