2 Samuel 11:1-5
In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army... But David remained in Jerusalem. One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, "Isn't this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. Then she went back home. The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, "I am pregnant."
I heard an older lady speaking on the radio, while I was driving back from work, one day. Her voice was crackling and oozing with words of wisdom. She told many different stories throughout her speech. One that stuck with me most was about a young man (let’s call him, Tim). When the story took place, Tim was in college. It was Valentine’s Day and he was in pursuit for a gift for his girlfriend. The story led Tim and a friend pulling up to a hotel to meet their girlfriends. The night was going well with board games, laughter, etc. Later in the night, Tim excused himself to the bathroom. After returning, he entered a dim-lighted room with only his girlfriend present. As he looked closer, he also noticed all his girlfriend’s clothes on the floor. Tim stated at this moment, he had three thoughts: 1-Run! 2-His parent’s faces of disappointment, if he choose to have sex, and 3-A scripture (1 Corinthians 10:13) that his youth pastor made him remember. So what did Tim do? He fretfully ran, went to his door room, and called his father, while crying. My immediate thoughts were ‘Did this really happen? Did he really run, while crying and being afraid?’ David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14) and he did not run. He chose to take advantage of the situation. He used his resources to inquire, gathered information, and made a decision. My purpose is not to bash David, but to point out the significance of Tim’s decision to not have sex.
There are many things to gather from this unbelievable, yet strongly Christian witnessed story; however, I will only mention a few. First, Tim’s discernment has to be questioned. It is very difficult to believe that he was surprised that his girlfriend would become naked and provoke sex. Proverbs 1:20 (a book written by David) states that ‘wisdom calls aloud in the street…’ Apparently, it was calling Tim and this was the time that he chose to listen. Whether Tim recognized it or not, he took advice from a man (David) who had lost this battle, but learned valuably. The Holy Spirit will direct and guide you in these manners and keep you from being caught in such a situation, if you listen sooner than later. Kudos to Tim for running; although, I’m a firm believer that if we initially ‘count the cost’, God will reveal where you are headed.
Second, Tim had another Christian (his dad) to confide. The importance of a good friend who practices Christian principles in such a time is critical. Let’s say Tim ran away went home and didn’t have anyone to call to confirm his wise, Christian decision. There’s a strong chance that he would be in the situation again or allow his manhood to be questioned by a worldly society. Support is supreme in our growth as Christians. Do not take for granted your Christian brothers and sisters. The moral of the second point is simple, ‘you need a solid, trustworthy, reliable, Bible believing Christian friend and church (Hebrews 10:25)!’ If you don’t have one (church and friend), pray for and diligently seek one.
Third, David, the great king who committed adultery, was credited for writing ‘I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you (Psalms 119:11)' more than likely after his incident. Tim practiced the same principle. He was encouraged to remember a scripture, which the Holy Spirit helped recall. I believe it’s safe to say, that his faith in God’s promise helped him escape. Parents: it’s important that we see the importance of our children having mentors. You will reap what you sow! (Galatians 6:7). Invest in your child’s relationships through active participation and foster Christian relationships by modeling the behavior. Monkey see, monkey do!
So how do we avoid being in the situation, that David and Tim found themselves? We do what we are called to do. David was not doing his kingly duty, which was the start of the problem. We consistently pray for wisdom and discernment in the small decisions. Once God provides peace and reveals the outcome with clarity (1 Corinthians 14:33), Run or in other words, ‘Get off the roof!’
