2 Samuel 11-12

David should have been at war with his soldiers, active for the Lord. Yet he remained behind and this allowed his mind to become idle, open to behaviour that would not have been a temptation if he was where he should have been. And so, as a result. He sees what his eyes should not have seen, another man’s wife. And instead of running away he embraced it. David followed his flesh which resulted in the murder of his fellow man, all for appeasing his lust for another’s wife.

And the recorded account goes as follows:

David sins with Bathsheba. 11

Nathan rebukes David. 12:7

David repents. 12:13

Consequence of David’s sin. 12:15

Loss of a child. 12:18a

Imagine the self afflicted turmoil David & Bathsheba had gone through. The challenges, the trials, the arguments, the fights, and the loss. A great many couples today separate for far less, correct? Sadly so.

How many of us in the Lord’s church have to climb very difficult mountains together? Poor decisions leading to unstable relationships, health conditions, and at times distance and separation.

The Bible has the living power to heal. The Word of God gives us instruction and guidance so as to persevere (i.e. never give up) through very difficult moments in life as husband and wife. As friends. Brothers and sisters. Any relationship.

God through the agency of His prophet the preacher spoke a parable to David making application. This pierced David into guilt choosing repentance and bearing fruits therein (Mt. 3:8).

Today in this age the preacher teaches the Bible and it pierces the audience into repentance, or further rebellion, pending on one’s heart of course. All a matter of one’s mind either they obey the gospel (Acts 2) or murder the evangelist (Acts 7).

Once repentance had been established David comforts Bathsheba. He came to her aid to be sorry for what he had done, to console her, change her mind, give her peace, rest, and compassion (12:24a). And because he did as God would want him to do, repent. A blessing is extended. The natural wonder of God’s power through child birth, the blessing of a baby and the love he or she holds (12:24b-25).

Many husbands and wives go through various trials and griefs, this could be regarding financial woes or persecution from family, friends, even members of the church. There is also the contributing factor of health related discouragement, or perhaps the loss of a child? Such life experience and wisdom comes at a painful and devastating cost. All these attacks can destroy faith and cause divorce, separation.

In a time of great challenge during the 1st Century faith where Christians were soon to be made torches burned alive or even fed to the animals. Turmoil, pain, arguments, doubts, uncertainty, and fear would plague husbands and wives as hardships are present and lay ahead. How could any Christian remain victorious in Christ with such traumatic environments?

What did Peter a man directly inspired by the poured out power of the Holy Spirit have to say on such challenges to our faith? 1 Peter 3:1-2, 7-9…

3:1 - “Wives, be submissive to your own husbands”

For if the husbands are unfaithful and compromise their faith in order to save themselves from persecution? The wife’s submissive nature, grace and purity might renew the husbands faith in Christ.

3:7 - “Husbands live with your wives in an understanding way”

For husbands are to understand their wives. For if a husband does not? Communication to God has been hindered.

Peter has a list of virtues to read, study, learn, believe, and practice. These spiritual tools will help husbands and wives persevere through any hardship.

3:8 - “Be harmonious (i.e. “likeminded” - “agreeable” - think, speak, and live the same way, faithful),

sympathetic (i.e. “compassionate” - having concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of another, being concerned for their wellbeing),

brotherly (i.e. “love like family” - patient and long-suffering, sacrificial for their needs before yours),

kindhearted (i.e. “merciful” - you may have the power and authority to judge, but instead forgive), and

humble in spirit (i.e. “submissive” - open to solutions, education, and healing),

3:9 - not returning evil for evil (i.e. “you hurt me so now I am going to hurt you back”). “Turn the other cheek” - do not take revenge or retaliation).

or insult for insult (i.e. he offended/insulted me so therefore I will in turn offend/insult him),

but giving a blessing instead (i.e. life, hope, courage, strength, love, unity, peace, faith, forgiveness, Jesus);

for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.”

God does not want us destroyed but rather built and blessed. For to inherit blessings we must have works of faith. We must actually put the labour into building strength together.

A woman with child has approx. 9 months of sacrifice and work. Change of all sorts is taking place with mind and body for a woman with child. And then the moment of pain comes ripping, burning and stinging. Pain and labour is experienced and afterward it is immediately followed by a moment of great joy and blessing. The birth of a child, a flower growing through concrete.

We go through hard times in our live but if we repent and come to each others aid? We shall be blessed with newness of life, a fresh new start.

David & Bathsheba sinned. The preacher rebuked David. David’s heart was pierced and he repented. And once he repented he went to his wife’s aid and this resulted in a blessing, a child which God loved.

If you have been struggling lately due to sin? Please repent and be blessed, allowing flowers to grow through moments of concrete.

God bless.

Stephane H. Maillet