SUNDAY May 22, 2022
A Leader’s Flaws
It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.
2 Samuel 11:1
David had many successes. He killed the Philistine giant Goliath, and the people hailed him as the hero of Israel. They loved David. Saul became jealous, and, in the end, David had to flee the kingdom. He went from fame to fugitive. His life drastically changed. He endured years of persecution. Saul hunted David and wanted him dead.
Tragically, in battle, King Saul and his sons died. David became king over two tribes of Israel––Judah and Benjamin. Finally, Israel became unified in declaring David King over all Israel in Hebron. His name became great as he continued to have victory in battle. God blessed David incredibly until he removed himself from the battle and became idle. He should have remained in the battle, as his own flesh became his worst enemy.
Although David was a man after God’s own heart, he had his flaws––lust. While on the terrace of the palace balcony, he noticed on the rooftop, a beautiful woman bathing. Her name was Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. David sent for her and committed adultery. Later, a message arrived. David read it––Bathsheba was pregnant––now what?
David, trying to hide his sin, allowed Satan to dictate the actions of his mind and heart. His plans to hide his sin miserably failed. In the end, Uriah, Bathsheba’s faithful husband and loyal warrior, was ordered to be placed on the front lines with an order to have him killed. David’s captain withdrew the men from around him, and he died––mission accomplished!
Bathsheba became David’s wife. Their baby was born, but the Lord, in His sovereignty, allowed the child to become sick and die. It was not until the prophet Nathan came and confronted David with his sin that he sincerely repented. It is important to know yourself, your weaknesses, and to ask God to help you win the battle against your arch enemy––the flesh.
An idle brain is the devil’s workshop.
~John Bunyan~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
