30 NOVEMBER | Running from Guilt

But Uriah slept at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house. 2 Samuel 11:9

suggested further reading: Isaiah 57:15–21

David was frustrated when Uriah did not want to sleep with his wife, so he racked his brain, seeking time and ways to still bring that about. Previously David had sent Uriah “as a present to his house” (2 Sam. 11:8). Now David called Uriah to his table (2 Sam. 11:13).

By his own actions, David would prove himself guilty, though he was trying to do the opposite. In this we see how God removes every vestige of prudence and discretion from those who operate with a bad conscience. No one had yet accused David of wrongdoing, but even when his sin was unknown, he felt under pressure to cover it up. He began running in strange directions, first seeking one way out of his sin, then another.

When we despise the judgment of God and try to conserve our good reputation before others, God gives us our just reward by drawing us in the very opposite direction from where we want to go. He thus brings us by force to judgment. Let us carefully note, therefore, that a bad conscience will always be accompanied by torment, anxiety, and anguish.

If we wish to have true peace, let us have a good conscience and do right. Furthermore, let us not hope to have peace when we flee the presence of God, especially when we attempt to abolish his justice. Now the wicked, at times, are certainly dead to the disturbing pain of guilt, but this kind of peace is not lasting. The reason is that, instead of presenting themselves before God, they go farther from him.

To have sure and permanent peace, let us be careful to present ourselves before God and deeply examine our conscience. When we feel guilty, let us groan and sigh over our sins, then ask pardon of him who is ready to give us mercy when we come to him in sincerity of heart.

for meditation: The peace David was frantically trying to find was false. It only made him run farther from God and dragged him down into greater sin. Do you find yourself in the same frenzy? Do you try everything to escape the just reward of your sin? Turn to God, rather than from him, and find the peace that passes all understanding in the gospel of Jesus Christ.¹

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¹  Calvin, J., & Beeke, J. R. (2008). 365 Days with Calvin (p. 353). Day One Publications; Reformation Heritage Books.

October 24 | Daily Treasures

Intro

Welcome to Daily Treasures from the Word of God. Today’s reading is Second Samuel 11 through 14. Our lesson is from Second Samuel 12:12–14, “ ‘Indeed you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, and under the sun.’ Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The Lord also has taken away your sin; you shall not die. However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die.’ ” (NASU)

Lesson

Today’s text is a witness to one of the most tragic and painful moments in the life of David. This incident in David’s life should be a warning to all of us to know that what is done in secret will be revealed. Let’s view three stages of David’s sin.

First, David sinned in secret. One of the obvious things is that David knew of the gravity of his actions and yet he tried to hide it from others. He tried to conceal his behavior from Uriah the Hittite, who was Bathsheba’s husband. David tried to be very cunning in that he told Uriah to go home so that Uriah could have relations with his wife. David thought that this would help in covering his sin. The result was that David’s scheme caused the death of Uriah but his sin did not remain hidden.

Next, David’s sin was revealed. Nathan the prophet was the Lord’s instrument in bringing to the forefront and unearthing David’s secret. Nathan used the illustration of a man who had many sheep. This person took the only sheep that another person had. David reacted in outrage at such a person who would steal someone else’s only sheep. Nathan showed David that he was that man because of his adulterous affair with Bathsheba.

Suddenly David admitted his fault. He repented of his sin and realized he offended the Lord. Tragically, there are consequences of sin that go beyond the action.

Third, David’s sin was judged. Sin and its effects are never just personal in scope. It involves and influences others. Uriah was dead and the Lord judged David and Bathsheba. The child would surely die as prophesized by Nathan.

God can and does forgive sins. However, the consequences of sin extend into many spheres of a person’s life. This is clearly seen in the life of Adam and Eve and the lives of many other biblical characters. Sin is not to be taken lightly.

In conclusion, David sinned in secret. David’s sin was revealed. And David’s sin was judged.

Never allow sin to dominate any area of your life. If there is a secret sin, confess it to the Lord right now. He is the God of forgiveness and restoration!

End

It has been a pleasure to share with you Daily Treasures from the Word of God. Tomorrow’s Bible reading is Second Samuel 15 through 19. Let’s not forget the words of the psalmist “The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” Until tomorrow and may God bless you in abundance as you study the Word of God.¹

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¹  Venditti, L., & Venditti, N. (2012). Daily Treasures from the Word of God. Logos Bible Software.