Read: 2 Samuel 11-12; Psalm 51
Sin easily ensnares us in its web of deception and false promises. It offers the illusion of lasting fulfillment but fails to deliver on its promises.
David, by God’s grace, had achieved great military victories for Israel and found himself resting from those responsibilities. In those days of relaxation, he became captivated by another man’s wife and fell into the arms of adultery. He believed that he was free from the consequences of his sin until Bathsheba’s pregnancy was revealed.
Self-preservation became David’s goal. How could he could he cover up his sin by manipulating or removing Uriah altogether? David, the anointed of God, had willfully violated God’s law, and he refused to acknowledge his moral failure.
Uriah was dead. Bathsheba was now David’s wife. David mistakenly believed that all was well. Then the prophet Nathan confronted him with a powerful story of injustice. David was outraged and concluded that death was needed for such a man. Nathan proclaimed, “David, you are that man.”
Sin’s darkness was expelled by the holiness of God’s truth. David’s righteous indignation turned to grief and remorse. David realized that he was an adulterer, liar, thief, and murderer, and he pleaded with God for a clean heart. God forgave him, but allowed the consequences of his sin to remain.
PRAYER PROMPT: Father, we are that man as well. Hear our confession, give us clean hearts, and restore to us the joy of our salvation. Amen.
Kevin Carrothers serves as director of missions for Salem South Baptist Association and is concluding his second one-year term as IBSA President.