There is always a consequence to our sin. It was no different for the One God says, “Is a man after my own heart.” Sin costs. It costs us separation from God. It costs that which we hold dear.
What made David stumble? Lust. He saw a beautiful woman and decided he wanted to have her – even though she was the wife of someone else. She was not just the wife of any typical person either, she was Uriah’s wife. In the little bit we learn of Uriah, before David has him killed, we see a man of great loyalty and service to the King, to his fellow soldiers, and to Israel. Uriah puts all of these as a higher priority than his own desires and personal needs. His loyalty and faithfulness are what essentially got him killed. David was unable to trick Uriah into believing the baby that had been conceived in lust was his own (as he had not been with his wife for some time).
And so, David has Uriah killed. He then takes Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife, as his own. He believes now that all is well. But it is not.
God sends the prophet Nathan to deal with David. Nathan tells a story that awakens David to his own sin. “Then David confessed to Nathan, ” I have sinned against the LORD.” Nathan replied, “Yes, but the LORD has forgiven you and you won’t die for this sin. Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for the word of the LORD by doing this, your child will die.” (2 Samuel 12:13-14)
There is always a cost to our sin. Even as God’s children, sin costs. For David, he knew that he would lose his son, and would also now have his family battle against each other. Before David would leave this earth, his kingdom would be taken over, he would be put on the run, he would have sons killing other sons. Sin costs.
Knowing that his child would die, David does what so many of us do, he went to the Father and with every effort he could, he tried to convince God to change His mind. “David begged God to spare the child. He went without food and lay all night on the ground.” (2 Samuel 12:16) David was not angry with God. He did not “blame” God. He accepted full responsibility for what was happening. He knew he had sinned. He confessed it. He also knew that God had forgiven him. He also knew that God loved him, and cared for him, and because of his love for his son and wife, he sought to change God’s mind.
But the child died.
“Then David got up from the ground, washed himself, put on lotions, and changed his clothes. He went to the Tabernacle and worshiped the LORD.” (2 Samuel 12:20) Friend, this is what seems to separate David from so many of us. He does not blame God or accuse Him of being unjust. He seemed to just accept what God has said and done, and then once God’s word is fulfilled, he prepares himself for entering into God’s presence, goes to God’s house, and worships. Make no mistake: his heart is hurting, but it will not stop him from worshipping and honoring a holy God. His God.
His actions astound his advisors. “His advisors were amazed. “We don’t understand you,” they told him. “While the child was still living, you wept and refused to eat. But now that the child is dead, you have stopped your mourning and are eating again.” David replied, “I fasted and wept while the child was alive, for I said, ‘Perhaps the LORD will be gracious to me and let the child live.’ But why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me.” (v. 21-23)
There is a cost to sin. There are consequences that come from the sins we commit. And yet, there is forgiveness found when we confess our sins. The cost of our sin (separation from God) has been paid for us. We confess and are forgiven. Washed clean. Free. And yet, the consequences remain.
Why? Is God trying to punish us? Hurt us? Steal our joy? Rob us of fun? No. God is loving. Kind. Good. Holy. His commands were given to protect us from all the consequences that sin choices bring. Obedience to God and His commands prevent and protect us from the consequence of disobedience.
LORD, would you strengthen our resolve to live lives where obedience to You and Your word are our priority. Open our eyes to the truth. Direct our path. Help us to be quick to confess when we wrong You, and continue to be men and women who worship you despite our circumstances. In Jesus name, Amen.
Blessings!