06
Get Off the Roof
Tim Savage2Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. 2 Samuel 11
7Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! 2 Samuel 12
So many powerful lessons in today’s reading. We see David make a choice that will bring a lifetime of terrible consequences, but even that doesn’t separate him from God’s infinite love. It all started as David allowed himself the selfish and sinful lingering look on to temptation. From a hidden vantage point David spies Bathsheba as she bathes and this is the start of many terrible events. If only David had just walked away and gotten off of that roof: one act of self discipline would have saved him from so much pain, suffering and heartache, not only for him, but for his family and the entire country. His lust led to murder, the death of a child, the heinous rebellion of his children and civil war in Israel.
Having the sense and discipline to walk away from temptation will save us from untold consequences. Learning from David’s experience brings us wisdom without having to endure the pain. We must mentally and spiritually prepare ourselves to “get off the roof” when temptation tries to snare us – walk away from that fight, get away from those drugs, stay far from people that we lust after and get off the computer when we want see things we shouldn’t. God will provide the strength to resist if we ask Him. He will also reward our discipline and courage to do the right thing. I have to prepare for battle by being ready to resist temptation before it happens – to recognize it when it appears, ask God for help and get off that roof. Imagine what David’s life and legacy would have been if he had gotten off the roof. I don’t want to live a life of consequence for sins I could have easily resisted.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please forgive me when I have sinned and failed You. Please grant me strength and courage to resist temptation and avoid consequences that keep me from fulfilling the plans You have for me.
In Jesus name,
Amen
