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2 Sam 11:1-27 Little Things Grow

by fol CHURCH on April 02, 2020

Some years ago, I was working in a local primary school and caught headlice from one of the children. I’d never had headlice before, so it was quite a shock. It was very frustrating as I have long hair. When sharing with a friend about my new frustration, she suggested I praise God and ask Him if there was something to learn from the experience…another shock. But I did what she suggested and was amazed what the Lord had to say. I felt Him remind me so many big afflictions start with a very little thing. And if only we take care of what jumps into our head as much as we would take care when a little beastie jumps onto our head, the big affliction could be stemmed.

And so, enters David.  After what must have been hardship followed by hard work, it would seem a break is due. But as we know, David allowed his eye to wander and be held captive to a beautiful woman bathing.

1 Cor 10:13: ‘No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.’ This is such a mighty promise, especially when we find ourselves in a weak and vulnerable place. If only David had shared his weakness with the Lord, he could have found an alternate route. God is not surprised by our weaknesses. He wants to help us. But He will not force Himself upon us.

What unfolds after the point of David seeing Bathsheba, reads a bit like a domino rally. We know David chose to sin, and sin will bear bad fruit. In this case, the fruit of concealed sin is a murder of an innocent, admirable man. David is changed into someone hardly recognisable from what we know of him. God’s heart must have been grieved as He watched the trouble growing in force. Our Lord so longs to aid us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16 (Message) reminds us ‘We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.’

 

 

 

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If you’re able, try watching a ‘Joseph’s machines’ on Youtube. Try ‘Cake,’ for starters. Then ask God if there’s a ‘bad domino’ to deal with. Jesus will help, if we allow Him.

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