READING: 2 Samuel 12-14, Luke 23:44-24:12
Judgment had fallen on David for his sin, and that judgment cost him his son. That’s such an immense cost that I doubt any of us can fully grasp it. Adultery with Bathsheba was horrible. Orchestrating the death of Uriah was atrocious. Both acts were desperately wrong, but the judgment was also heavy.
Don’t miss the way David responded, though, when Nathan had confronted his sin and God brought judgment on his son: “he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped” (2 Sam 12:20). It’s quite amazing, actually; as one writer described it, “David’s response is astonishing and pious.”* The king accepted God’s judgment, and he continued to trust God in faith. He knew that though his son was now gone, he would see him again.
PRAYER: “God, remind me that my sin has consequences, and help me trust You in Your loving judgment.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: When temptation comes today, consider the long-term consequences more than the temporary pleasures.
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Samuel 15-17, Luke 24:13-53
* Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (2 Sa 12:20). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.