Time with Jesus - Saturday, 14
April 2012
Hi all,
Most of us have an arrogant
attitude toward those who commit sin. Perhaps “pharisaic” better describes our reaction
to those who fall into sin. “I’ll never do that” seems to be the unseen and
unheard words that pass through our heads. Reading the account of David and
Bathsheba’s adultery and the terrible consequences prompt us to say, “I wouldn't do that!” Check your own attitude. Are you genuinely appalled or
envious? My honest opinion, which I suspect is true of most men, is to ask the
Lord to keep them away from such a situation. What would I have done? What
would you have done? Be honest!
David was the King. He was
untouchable. He loved the Lord. There are dozens of reasons why this should
never have happened. What about Bathsheba. She was at the most amorous time of
her month. Her husband had been away fighting in David’s army. She knew she was
very attractive. So was it her plan to entrap David? I suspect not. But there
were so many “coincidences” in the incident. Could she have refused to come?
Only David, Bathsheba and God can answer the question. Our opinion is
irrelevant.
Whatever the reason, we know
that from that day onward, the nation went into decline. The seeds of the fall
of the nation were planted. Some 500 years later, Jerusalem was destroyed and
those who survived were taken captive to Babylon.
New Christians tend to have a
superior attitude to this. “I would never have done that” dismisses the
question contemptuously. Then, in the course of time, your own imperfections
surface and we realise that we have not been vaccinated against sin. With the
Lord’s help, we have to resist temptation. Can we? Will we? Frankly, I don’t
know. It’s a bit like having to face up to persecution. Will you stand or will
you collapse? Don’t answer. I can’t truthfully answer that question myself.
Corrie ten Boom, who was sent to one of the Nazi concentration camps, said that
the Lord gives you the ticket when you get on the train.
My own somewhat limited
experience is to recommend that we be truthful with ourselves and with God. He
knows what you and I would do. Let’s not try and test the theory in real life.
Our meditation looks at David
and Bathsheba and concludes that obedience to God is the only way to be.
Blessings
Jim & Phyllida Strickland
Wipe Away Your sin?
It happened in the Springtime; when Kings go off to war.
But David didn’t do it. What did he stay home for?
Perhaps he knew Bathsheba’s naked body would be seen?
The time had come for her to be washed ritually clean.
So when he walked upon the roof, what did he think he’d see?
And what about Bathsheba? What sort of wife was she?
Was she there to flaunt herself before the Nation’s King?
Regardless of the motives, it was the very thing,
That brought about the murder of the man whom she had wed.
For David summoned her to him and took her to his bed.
The outcome was a infant. But what could David do?
The truth became apparent and all the Kingdom knew,
That they were both adulterers. They should have both been stoned.
But David was the nation’s King. The deed was thus condoned!
But God knew all about it. The baby would soon die.
And after it had happened, they knew the reason why!
But we will never know the truth on this side of the grave.
Except it’s not the proper way for people to behave.
Do not stop and preen yourself. One thing we mustn't say,
Is that we are quite certain we will not go that way!
David and Bathsheba’s sin is really not unique.
You and I are just as bad. Don’t ever have the cheek,
To think you are impervious to such a dreadful sin,
It’s a prideful attitude that’s dwelling deep within.
Let us all be grateful for what the Lord can do.
If He pardon’s sinners, He’ll surely pardon you!
Ask Him to forgive you. Trust His Holy Son,
And the Holy Spirit; the gracious Three-in-one,
To take your sin so scarlet and wash you white as snow.
Don’t think you can hide it. There’s naught He doesn’t know.
He will heal our faithlessness, if we will but return.
Admit that there is so much more that we still have to learn.
Turn in true repentance and ask Him to forgive.
There can be no question. He’ll surely let you live.
Don’t forget the good things which He’s already done.
Healed you from diseases; the victories He’s won!
You will know His righteousness; the straight and narrow way,
Surely He will lead you; if Him you will obey,
His anger will be turned away and then you will revere,
The One Who always loves you and is forever near.
Your sin’s won’t be remembered and you will know for sure,
A lifestyle in the Master which is good and clean and pure.
Jim Strickland – Written, Saturday 14th April 2012
