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This is the story of David and Bathsheba. It was springtime when kings go off to war with their troops. Instead, David decided to stay at the palace for some R & R. He was walking on his roof top when he noticed a very beautiful woman taking a bath. (She was totally unaware of anyone watching her.) He sent someone to find out about her. The man said it was Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. Then David sent a messenger to go get her and bring her to the palace. He slept with her, then sent her home. (David already had seven wives) The Bible was very specific that she had just become ceremonial clean after her seven days of being unclean according to the law at that time. It was to make sure that she wasn’t pregnant at the time she slept with David. A few months later, she shows up at the palace and tells David she is pregnant with his child. The law prescribes that both of them should have been killed for committing adultery.

David has to do some quick thinking. He brings Uriah back home and tells him to take a break and go spend the night at home with your wife. Uriah, being the honorable soldier, stays with his men. David tries again to get him to go home, but Uriah still refuses to leave his men. David had to come up with another idea. He needed people to think this was Uriah’s baby. David sent a message to the commander of the army to put Uriah on the front line when they went back to fighting. The plan worked, when David found out that several men were killed, he said “that’s what happens in war”. (could have been an episode on Dateline) Bathsheba mourned the death of her husband. When the time was up, David had Bathsheba brought to the palace and he married her and the baby was born.

What David did greatly displeased God. God sent the prophet, Nathan to David. Nathan told David a story about two men in a certain town, one was rich with very large herds of sheep and cattle, and one was poor with only one lamb. The rich man took the lamb from the poor man and served it for dinner. When David heard the story, he was outraged. He said, “that man should surely die!” Nathan said, “You are that man.” David’s actions had grave consequences. His household would never be at peace. David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan said, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die, but the son born to you will die”

David knew he had sinned big time. He repented immediately. God forgave him. God doesn’t hold a grudge. He remembers our sin no more, once we repent of it. David fell but he was not totally cast side. He still was remembered as a man of God’s own heart. God uses flawed people all the time to fulfill His plans. Aren’t you thankful that we have a gracious, loving and forgiving God that still uses us.

Gracious forgiving God, we are so thankful You always give another chance when we mess up when we ask for your forgiveness. Thank you for sending Jesus to die for our sins and giving us a clean slate. In Jesus name, Amen

 

Jeanne Palumbo jeannelpalumbo@gmail.com