King David's Sin with Bathsheba
Most people know the tragic sin of David in committing adultery with Bathsheba, and in committing murder against her husband, Uriah. There is no way to overstate the seriousness of his sin. However, when Nathan, the prophet, pointed out his sin, David humbly confessed that he had sinned against the Lord. Therefore, he did not die, but he was punished for his sin. (II Samuel 12:13,14) We all need to learn this lesson well.
David's confession brought forgiveness from God, but forgiveness does not take away all of the consequences of sin. God has to give consequences or we would think we could get away with sinning, by just confessing each one. That is not the case. God always punishes sin. David's punishment was that the child that was conceived with Bathsheba would die. That was a serious consequence because David's sin had given a great occasion for the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme the Lord. In other words, they could say that believers were no different that other people, and David's God was no better than other gods.
We need to always keep that truth before our eyes. Every sin we commit as believers gives unbelievers an occasion to cut down Christians and Christianity. We must not give them that ammunition. We must live in holiness before them, so that they see the Lord in us, not sin.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Samuel 14-17.
David's confession brought forgiveness from God, but forgiveness does not take away all of the consequences of sin. God has to give consequences or we would think we could get away with sinning, by just confessing each one. That is not the case. God always punishes sin. David's punishment was that the child that was conceived with Bathsheba would die. That was a serious consequence because David's sin had given a great occasion for the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme the Lord. In other words, they could say that believers were no different that other people, and David's God was no better than other gods.
We need to always keep that truth before our eyes. Every sin we commit as believers gives unbelievers an occasion to cut down Christians and Christianity. We must not give them that ammunition. We must live in holiness before them, so that they see the Lord in us, not sin.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Samuel 14-17.