But the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him. 2 Samuel 12:3
King David had an affair with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, an Israelite special forces soldier. When Bathsheba conceived, David tried to cover it up, but Uriah’s noble character made this impossible, so David had him killed. (This story is covered in chapters 11 and 12 of 2 Samuel) Using this ‘social’ story, Nathan, God’s prophet attempted to draw David’s awareness to the magnitude of his sin.
Nathan tells of a rich man with many sheep, acting with incredible selfishness. When travelers came along he took the poor man’s only sheep to feed to his guest rather than deplete his own flock. David is quick to anger at this wicked man’s blatant disregard for others, but fails to readily see its parallel to his own actions. David had everything and still wanted more, at great expense to others. An unchecked, covetous heart has no moral boundaries.
The Holy Spirit calls to us before and when we head toward trouble. God doesn’t want us there, it is not part of His plan for us to go there. Guard rails exist on the straight and narrow path. Don’t climb over them. It is not okay to justify risky moral behavior. There is NEVER an acceptable reason to sin. The cost of eternal life is not worth it.
Have a great weekend!
Gretchen