My friend’s mom used to say, “You can get into more trouble in one night than you can get out of in a lifetime.” King David could testify to the truth of that statement. Adultery shakes the foundations of a home and a culture. How did it happen?
Years ago, a pastor from Houston explained that David was out of position. Kings go off to war. Instead, David stayed home and sent Joab. If he had been with his men at battle, he would not have seen Bathsheba. Bathsheba’s husband was fighting in the battle. David had more than one wife. Out of position, he made a foolish decision. When he saw Bathsheba, he sent for her, and slept with her.
When Bathsheba realized she was pregnant, she sent David word. David tried to cover his sin by bringing Uriah home. But Uriah the Hittite was more honorable than David. When he refused to go and be with his wife while his fellow soldiers were at war, King David sent him back with a death sentence. Uriah did not read the message or avert the catastrophe. He died in battle, Bathsheba grieved, and then she married David and bore his child.
I told this story to one of my classes at HCU. One young man who had been fairly disengaged with the mandatory class paid close attention as I told the story. His jaw dropped when he heard of the adultery and murder. Decisions we make have consequences for ourselves and others. Few people wake up with the intention of destroying their lives and legacy. Nevertheless, it happens with regularity.
How do we safeguard our relationships with God and others? First, we stay in position. Where are we supposed to be today? In what places might we discover trouble? Avoid those places. Second, when we are tempted, like Joseph, we must run away from immorality. Third, when we fail, we must confess and repent. Trying to make up for his mistake, David made a mess, instead. If we have sinned, we must run to God and find forgiveness. Because David refused to acknowledge his sin, he would pay a high price within his own family.
