What David Did: Today’s Mission

“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.” (2 Samuel 11:1)

We’re going to spend the next week or two looking at the story of David and Bathsheba — and David’s prayer of confession and repentances in Psalm 51. It’s a gruesome story in which the hero becomes the villain. We watch uneasily as he quickly slides from lust to adultery to murder.

whatdavid_350But it starts here, in this verse. David was king of Israel. He was famous and wealthy and powerful and already tremendously successful. He had honored God in his heart and in his kingdom, and God had blessed him in huge ways.

So what happened? It started when David decided he didn’t need to do what kings do — go to war with his men. He stayed home. He sat this one out. And that set him up for the fall. Anytime we are not participating in what God has called us to do, we are more likely to do what He’s called us not to do.

Think: Can you remember a time in your life when you your choice to sin followed a choice to stop doing what God called you to do (e.g., going to work, participating in church, encouraging your family, etc.)?

Pray: Ask God to help you to know what He has called you to do today. Then ask Him to help you take those things seriously.

Do: Make a quick list of the things God has called you to do today. It might include school, homework, prayer, reading the Bible, your job, being kind to friends and family, etc.