#P5: When kings don’t go to war

“Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel…but David stayed at Jerusalem.” 2 Samuel 11:1, NASB.

Those who know me know that I am fond of the statement that I live everyday one “stupid act” away from ruining my ministry and destroying those closest to me. In this way, I am no different than every other man or woman I know…except perhaps in the scope of influence that goes with my position.

David’s great sin…with Bathsheba…is no different than many others. He committed adultery. Horrible sin but not outside the realm of possibilities for a man of his stature in the era he lived. I say that, not to excuse David but to remind us that his mistake was simply that…a mistake…or was it? Could it be that the sin of adultery was simply the natural consequence a series of decisions that left him in a vulnerable place?

Observe:

• David was not where he was supposed to be. Kings went out with their armies. David sent out his army while staying behind.
• David was overconfident. This led to his actions of staying behind. He had great success in battle. His army was powerful. He simply let the generals handle it.
• There was no accountability. The more power or influence a man has, the more accountability he needs in his life. All of David’s strong men were gone. No one but a few domestic servants around and they were not going to challenge him.
• David perceived that no one was watching. Alone times are the worst times of temptation. When we think that there is no consequence, we do dumb things.
• David’s actions contributed to the sins of others. Bathsheba sinned against God and her husband at the behest of the king. Joab sent a man to die in battle at the instruction of the king.
• David thought he could cover up his sin. After all, he had the “midas touch” in so many areas. Problem is, God does not let his “children” cover their sins for long. Every sin is uncovered. The saved man uncovers it (confesses it unto Salvation). The lost man has it uncovered at the judgment and then he pays the penalty for it.

Now, in reality, we will never avoid all sin. We should make it our aim in Christ to do so but we will never achieve perfection on our own in the flesh. At the same time, we are FOOLISH to CHOOSE to leave ourselves vulnerable to overwhelming temptation. David entered into this sin with his eyes open. NO WAY! He did not know when he slept with Bathsheba that it would lead to such death and destruction! Probably not, but he knew it was unwise and he knew it was sin and he knew it dishonored God. The consequences of the sin…simply followed after the willful choice. This is what happens when kings don’t go to war.

Shalom, CA