“Nevertheless, because by this deed you have given [a great] opportunity to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme [Him], the son that is born to you shall certainly die.” Then Nathan went [back] to his home. And the Lord struck the child that Uriah’s widow bore to David, and he was very sick. David therefore appealed to God for the child [to be healed]; and David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground…Then it happened on the seventh day that the child died. David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead…when David saw that his servants were whispering to one another, he realized that the child was dead. So David said to them, “Is the child dead?” And they said, “He is dead.” Then David got up from the ground, washed, anointed himself [with olive oil], changed his clothes, and went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he came [back] to his own house, and when he asked, they set food before him and he ate. Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive you fasted and wept, but when the child died, you got up and ate food.” David said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I thought, ‘Who knows, the Lord may be gracious to me and the child may live.’ But now he is dead; why should I [continue to] fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him [when I die], but he will not return to me.””
2 Samuel 12:14-23 AMP
I’ve dreaded this story since I started reading about David. I knew a great sin was coming followed by a great price.
As I reread this story today, I was stuck by Nathan’s statement that David’s sin gave a great opportunity for the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme Him.
To “blaspheme” means to speak irreverently about G-d or sacred things.
Up until this point, David’s life and mighty deeds were a testament to G-d’s might and power. It was obvious G-d’s favor rested on David when he was chosen as king, defeated Goliath, and killed thousands.
But David’s sins – lust that led to sexual sin and deceit that led to Uriah’s death – gave the enemies of the Lord opportunity to speak irreverently about G-d.
It gives me pause that sin in my life gives the enemies of G-d opportunities to blaspheme Him … does that mean that living rightly before Him, walking in purity, and following His ways silences the enemies?
While I don’t know the answer to that, I do know that my actions, my life, my words, and my testimony either magnify the Lord or they magnify the enemy. There’s no middle ground and no gray area.
David’s response to Nathan’s correction gives me hope. David knew his sin would result in his son’s death, yet he still appealed to G-d for mercy – he fasted and prayed before the Lord – and when the child died, David got up, washed, anointed himself with oil, changed his clothes, and worshipped.
David washed himself – could this be a foreshadowing of baptism of water? A symbol of cleansing from sin?
David anointed himself with oil – could this be a foreshadowing of baptism or infilling of the Holy Spirit? (I Samuel 16:13).
Then David worshipped – he was restored to right relationship with the Lord.
David finally went home and ate – he was restored to his family and Solomon was conceived.
Sin certainly gives opportunities to the enemy – but when I face my sin, G-d who is rich in mercy, gives me an opportunity to be forgiven, restored, healed, and made whole.
He isn’t defeated by my sin. He made a way for me.
But is He exalted by my life – that is what I really long for – for my life to bring Him glory in all things – my words, my actions, my life.
My life, for His glory alone.
Father – thank You for Your mercy and forgiveness over and over again. Quicken my heart and mind to the cost and impact my actions make to the Kingdom of G-d and to Your name. I want my life to bring fame to You, not shame. Give me wisdom to walk in Your ways. You alone are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Chronicles 20