Uriah Was One Of David's Mighty Men.

In 2 Samuel 23:39, Uriah the Hittite is listed as one of King David's "Mighty Men." This is the same Uriah the Hittite who was married to Bathsheba. The same Uriah the Hittite who was fighting a war for King David while David was having an affair with Bathsheba. This is the same Uriah the Hittite whose death in battle was arranged by King David in an attempt to cover up his affair with Bathsheba. Every time I read this verse I find myself astonished by how far sin can take a man, even a man whom God describes as being after His own heart. David arranged for the death of one of his own "Mighty Men" to cover up his personal sin. This reminds me that if I let it, sin will take me to some pretty dark places. But there is another part of the story that I find to be very encouraging, and that is how David found forgiveness. Even though David had decided to cover up his sin. God, having none of that, sought David out and initiated a conversation between David and the prophet Nathan that resulted in David’s repentance and his forgiveness. For me the lesson is twofold: first, I am capable of gross sin, which tells me that I am in need of God's ongoing help to resist the temptations that come my way. And second, even when I blow it, God will seek a way to forgive me rather than condemn me. Whew! Thank God for pursuing grace.

Blessings,
PB