David gives into his fleshly desires and gets Bathsheba pregnant. The darkest days of David's life would find their genesis in this one decision. But does he confess his sin and seek forgivess at this point? No. He devises a plan of manipulation and deception to cover up his sin. He heeps more sin on top of sin to try and "fix" his predicament.
But what I find odd about this part of David's story is why didn't he just tell Uriah the truth? David is king after all. What could Uriah do to him? What was David afraid of? I'm not sure I know the answer to this. It is something I will look into a little deeper at another time. For now, it's enough to know that David only compounds his problems by resorting to encouraging Uriah to go home and have sex with Bathsheba so Uriah will think the baby is his. This sounds like some stupid soap opera, huh?
But it gets better! (or worse if you're David) Here's Uriah. He's assuredly fatigued from battle. I'm sure there is a part of him who would love to spend even one night in his own bed with his beautiful wife. He would love to be able to eat a home cooked meal, watch some football, and take a nice long bath. And the king has excused him from his military duties to do just that! David even sends a gift home with Uriah probably consisting of all sorts of wine, smelly candles, chocolate and maybe even a four piece jazz ensemble to get them in the mood. But what does Uriah do? He demonstrates his loyalty to his fellow comrades in the field and his king. He refuses to go home to pamper himself while his brothers fight. He would rather sleep at the entrace to the palace with the smelly servants than endulge in his own pleasure. Oh, the coals that Uriah unknowingly heeped on David's heart!
So who appears to have the heart of God at this point? How sad for David. How far he has strayed from his first love. He now looks on Uriah with hatred because Uriah is showing him the man David used to be! But instead of bringing David to his knees, Uriah's loyalty and selflessness only enrages David the more.
How often do we find ourselves blind to our own sin or unwilling to face the truth of our trespasses? So many times one flake of sin becomes an avalanche. With David, his seemingly insignificant disobedience in staying home from batttle leads to murder. Why? Because he forgot to Whom he belonged. He stupidly rationalized that somehow he could cover up his original sin. I can remember being told as a child by my mother and grandfather, "Tim, be sure your sins will find you out." - Numbers 32:23. And how that truth has been evident in my life! Luke 8:17 says, what you do in secret will come to light. There is nothing hidden from our God. So don't try and hide it! We all sin! When it happens, fess up, don't cover up. Because while the world may seem to successfully avoid disclosure, we as believers cannot escape it. We should not WANT to escape it! Praise God that He exposes us! Praise God He chastises us! That means He loves us!
Ok, so I'm getting a little ahead of myself here. But I could't help it. Bottom line for today, I need to nip my sin in the bud when I fail. Manipulation and deception is no response to our sin. Let me not be so stupid as to think I can hide anything from God or His people.
Father, remove all rationalization for sin in my life. Expose my sin so that I can confess and repent, not manipulate and deceive myself and others I love. And thank You for loving me enough to spank me. It may hurt and I won't like it. But when I mature, I will look back and see Your love all over me!
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