Freedom is a word bandied around a lot these days. People want freedom to be themselves, which means to some people not having to abide by rules made by others. They want freedom from parental control, freedom from personal responsibility, and freedom from commitment. But freedom usually comes at a price as David found out.
Since he was king David thought he had the freedom to do what he liked and disobey God’s commands about adultery. But what a price it ended up demanding.
It resulted in him getting deeper and deeper into a web of sin, lies and subterfuge that led to Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah, being killed so David could then marry Bathsheba. It led to God’s judgment falling on David and his sin being punished by the death of that son but also by the conflict that existed over many years within his own family.
Not to mention the guilt he carried round with him till he confessed that sin. Look at Psalm 51 and you will see how deeply this sin affected David.
However, there was one thing he knew he could not be without t- that was God’s Spirit. Without God in his life there was no freedom, but only guilt and despair. He pleaded with God not to take His Holy Spirit from him. David sinned badly and many people suffered because of it, but in the end he did what needed to be done – he turned to God and sought forgiveness.
God forgave him. It did not mean however, that he escaped the consequences of his sin.
Sometimes like David, we can insist on freedom, freedom to do what we want. Yes, we are free to commit adultery or lie or steal as David did, but let’s not fool ourselves into thinking that is freedom. There are always consequences to any decision. Are you prepared to face the consequences of those decisions or choices?
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