David – son of Jesse, shepherd boy
He would become a Poet, a Musician, a
Warrior and a King – He reigned over the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the
southern Kingdom of Judea. He made Jerusalem his capital city (city of David), he
brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem – he furnished materials so his
son Solomon could build a magnificent temple.
He was capable of great things – but today we hear of one of his biggest
sins. He took Bathsheba, the wife of one of his soldiers – Uriah – and when
things did not go according to his plan – he arranged for Uriah’s murder. How could he???
He forgot who he was &
He forgot who she was.
1)
He forgot who he was!
As king, as leader, he had the responsibility
to set the example for his people. He was called to love them – which means
willing the good of the other as other.
We see this happening again and
again. Sometimes you are almost afraid to pick up the newspaper. Every day, it seems – a politician – a police
officer – a member of the clergy – a school teacher – is accused of breaking
the law and behaving poorly. Those of us in positions of responsibility need to
be reminded – people have a right to look at us and receive good example, that
we are living a fully integrated life.
That is: We are the same person at work, at school, at
home, on vacation, with friends.
2)
He forgot who she was!
Bathsheba was a wife, a daughter, a
grand-daughter, a niece. She was loved by many people. Instead, he turned her
into an object of his own desire.
To turn people into objects – there is
an entire industry dedicated to this today.
Last year worth $97 billion worldwide.
Has 107 million US visitors monthly. Involves 68% of young men and 18% of young
women. Beginning for many around the age of 11.
We know it affects and changes our
brains. It causes an addiction. It hurts relationships. It causes loneliness,
destroys true love. It hates marriages and can lead to violence, especially
against women.
Jesus loved the woman (again, willing
the good of the other as other) and did not see an object but a subject – a person,
a human being.
Invite all to consider 2 things –
please carefully monitor the use of the internet by children. And, use the settings on web browsers and
also software filters to control what comes into the home.
David forgot who he
was & forgot who she was – and it led to tragedy. May you and I live always
as true Sons & Daughters of God.
