“In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king’s house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful.”
Do you know the rest of the story of David and Bathsheba? If not, I would encourage you to take a look at it. It’s shocking. David was a man sought out by God, chosen by God, and described by God as being one after his own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). To put it in today’s terms, he believed in God faithfully and followed him with all of his heart! And yet, in a moment, he is a man who fell into sin so immense that some say he broke each of the Ten Commandments in one fell swoop. What happened? Obviously, sin happened. Humanity’s corruption should lead us to a point where we are not surprised by the “fall of leaders.”
But there is a warning here for God’s people, too.
In the time when kings go out to battle, David sent rather then went. As they (the point being not David) went about the warfare needed to expand and protect the kingdom, David remained. Then, if we follow the verses of Scripture above, it happened. During this season of COVID-19, we are necessarily hindered from our usual schedules. We cannot go out to battle. In the midst of slowing down, don’t let your sin abound!
Our schedules, routines, lifestyles, communications, time alone, time together, etc. are all effected, but let them be positive changes! Dive deeply into God’s Word and prayer. Strive to learn more about our great God and his great salvation plan, which is powerful “in the now!” Don’t let idle hands be the devil’s playthings.
Commit—even now—to be on guard against the temptations of the “it happened” moments in which we might find ourselves in the weeks and months to come. And remember, this is not a “sexual sin” Bible passage. This is a revealing of the temptation of sin in general.
Through the Father’s goodness and grace and mercy for his people, Jesus’ conquering power on our behalf, and the Holy Spirit’s empowering indwelling, those believing in God have the capability to fight against temptation. Partner with me in this, seek God’s glory, and watch him work for you.
Blessings,
Jeremiah