2 Samuel 11:1 states, “In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle...David remained at Jerusalem.” This well-known verse is a historical marker for the following actions that would change the very course of David’s life. You may read this and remember how the moments that followed would include adultery, lying, and eventually murder. All of these sins emerged from David’s refusal to fulfill his primary responsibility to his family.
In 1 Samuel 16:13 we read “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward.” This moment was David’s first movement toward God placing David upon the throne of Israel. A kingship that God intended to fulfill until the people “demanded a king like all the other nations” (1 Samuel 8:6). When this responsibility was placed upon David’s head, he became first and foremost the defender of Israel by the power of God.
David’s sin in 2 Samuel 11 was against more than just Bathsheba and Uriah. He had not only failed to “go out to battle” and defend the nation of Israel, but he remained at home and preyed upon the families of those entrusted to his care. David’s sin showed that he did not have the intention of fulfilling this responsibility of protecting the “family of Israel” that God had entrusted to him. Instead, he was enslaved to his own passions and desires. The sinful actions of David would eventually cause the very demise of his own kingship and family.
As a father I am reminded that I am not an island. God has entrusted to me the care and well-being of my family (Eph. 6:4; 1 Tim. 5:8; Eph. 5:25). This includes their physical, emotional, and spiritual care. When I sin, my sin impacts my entire family. One selfish action can have a catastrophic effect upon my family. Therefore, it is my responsibility, above all else, to pursue righteousness.
Fathers, a pursuit of personal righteousness is not important, it is essential for our lives and the lives of our families. So, I leave you with the longing of my own heart:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right[b] spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:10-12)
Article written by BJ Eason.
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Comments
Thank you i read my Bible daily but I like reading extra verses to. God bless you all