READING: 2 Samuel 8-12
They are just a few words, but the weight of those words — and the difference in those words — are enormous. On one hand, today’s reading is a catalog of the victories God gave David. His forces defeated the Philistines, the Moabites, the Arameans, and the Edomites; in fact, twice we’re told, “the Lord gave David victory wherever he went” (2 Sam 8:6, 14).
Later, though, disaster happened when David sent his forces into battle while he remained in Jerusalem. Some writers think David may have so assumed victory from the past experiences that he saw no need to fight this time. Whatever the cause of his staying home, it was then that David saw Bathsheba bathing. The king slept with her, impregnated her, and even had her husband killed to cover up his sin.
The Lord had given David victory wherever he went, but lust had now led to adultery, unexpected pregnancy, deceit, and murder. Apparently, David’s drive to fulfill his sinful desires in the present caused him to ignore the victories God had granted him in the past — and would lead to the tragic death of his son in the future.
The prophet Nathan later confronted David, and David confessed his wrong with these words: “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Sam 12:13). The Lord had previously given him victory wherever he went, but still David turned against the One who had been faithful to him. “I have sinned against the Lord” is a long, long way from “the Lord gave David victory wherever he went.” In between the two phrases is a tragedy that no one planned.
That’s the point we need to consider today: it’s possible for those who live in the Lord’s victory today — including you and me — to fall into such wrong that only the words, “I have sinned against the Lord” are appropriate. For all of us, there is the real possibility of an “in-between” time that can be filled with sin. Perhaps adultery and murder aren’t our sins, but we who are victorious today can nevertheless make choices that result in only agony and heartache.
Apart from moment-by-moment grace from God, we could all be there.
ACTION STEPS:
- Consider where your life is on the spectrum between “The Lord gives victory wherever I go” and “I have sinned against the Lord.” Confess to God anything you need to confess.
- All day long, thank God for His grace that alone gives you victory.
PRAYER: “God, keep me in victory today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Samuel 13-15