Read 2 Samuel 11:1-5 Anyone who has spent time in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area has seen the signs, “Don’t Feed The Bears”. How about the movie, “The Gremlins” and the cute furry creature Gizmo. The new owner was given three warnings one of which was, “Do not feed him after midnight”. The next monster is “The Beast Within”. The beast is not a bear or a fictional creature but our sinful nature we battle daily. The first way to overcome the beast is to not feed it. In 2 Samuel 11, we find David staying in Jerusalem rather than going into battle with his army. While David was King of Israel, we always see him in the heat of the battle. Had David been where he needed to be, this paralyzing moment in his life would not have occurred. While enjoying the cool breeze from his rooftop, he saw a beautiful woman bathing in her courtyard. It would appear sins of the flesh was David’s beast and seeing this woman, Bathsheba, only fed it. David did not see her and turn away effectively halting the beast. Rather, he continued to look, inquired about her and yielded to temptation. Remember: temptation is not sin…yielding to it is. In verse 3, his servant laced a warning into his response regarding Bathsheba, “Hey, isn’t that Uriah’s wife?”. Another opportunity to stop the feeding the beast is ignored and in verse 4, he sends for her. They are intimate and result is Bathsheba becomes pregnant with David’s child. We do not know David’s plan or reasoning in staying in Jerusalem, but, in doing so, he placed himself in a situation to be tempted. He ignored what he knew to be right. He was warned by a servant she was married but ignored that as well. Lust is a powerful beast that has overtaken many a man and woman. David knew the triggers. He knew his weaknesses, but fed the beast anyway. Reflect For David it was lust. What is our beast: gambling, pornography, anger, alcohol, drugs, insecurity, selfishness? Understand this list is huge but we can be certain whatever the beast it is powerful, it is clever, and it is crafty. It wants to be fed. If we are aware of our beast we know our weaknesses, our triggers, and what situations need to be avoided. Let us learn from David what not to do and learn from his consequences. We do not need to feed the beast. Pray As you pray ask God to reveal your beast. Ask Him to help fight it. Ask Him for strength and guidance. Ask Him for help from His word. // TWO-A-DAYS // GO A LITTLE FARTHER WITH YOUR DAILY DEVOTIONS // Go through these questions with your spouse, kids, or friend, or you can even journal about the answers to these questions:
- What was the best part of your day?
- What was the toughest part of your day?
- Where did you mess up today?
- Where did you see God today?
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