Sometimes when I read
passages of the Bible that I have read many times, they lose their horror for
me. I am not shocked by them anymore. I suspect that this is true for many of
us. That is the way I feel about 2 Samuel 11. It has lost its power to shake up
my world. The actions of King David of Israel should really cause me to ask
questions about this “man after God’s own heart.” But I have heard the story
told since I was a child. So allow me to introduce a thought experiment. Imagine
for a moment that I am reading a news item that tells the following story about
an imaginary country in Europe know as Florin. (You may notice that I have
borrowed a few names from well-known movies and a television series.) I feel
like I need to say, “The places and names are fictional and any resemblance to
King David is intentional.”
Sources
close to the Prime Minister of Florin have begun to reveal a shocking tale of
lust, adultery, betrayal, murder, and cover up. The tiny European republic of
Florin is nestled between Guilder and Genovia, and the head of state is Prime
Minister John Archer. Archer, a former general in the military of Florin, has
had an outstanding career and was highly decorated for his acts of bravery and
military prowess before becoming the country’s leading politician. But his
image has been tarnished and he is at risk of criminal charges after it was
revealed that he may have been involved in an inappropriate sexual relationship.
The concern relates to the former wife of a platoon leader engaged in Florin’s military
action against the country’s rival republic of Guilder.
It
is alleged that while Platoon Leader, Lieutenant Wesley Roberts, was away from
home at the eastern frontlines of battle, Mr. Archer invited Lt. Roberts’ wife,
Cecilia Roberts, over to his home. We do know that a few weeks later Lt.
Roberts was killed in battle under mysterious circumstances. Roberts somehow
ended up cut off from the rest of his platoon deep in enemy territory and was
cut down by enemy sniper fire and died in battle. Prime Minister Archer ordered
a full military funeral and sent condolences to the widow. A few weeks later,
Cecilia Roberts and Mr. Archer entered into a romantic relationship that
culminated with their marriage late last year.
In
early 2016, Cecilia Archer announced that she was pregnant and the world embraced
the storybook romance as two lonely people who found love. But, there were soon
a few whispered questions about the timing of the pregnancy and who the true
father of this baby might be. Then, even more disturbing rumors began to
surface. It was alleged that the Prime Minister used his secret service agents
to deliver a message to one of his Generals at the front lines of battle the
day before Lt. Roberts was killed. It is thought that the message had something
to do with military strategy.
It
has been suggested that John Archer arranged for an “accidental” military death
to cover up the fact that he had gotten Lt. Roberts’ wife pregnant. Neither the
police nor the office of the Chief Magistrate would comment on this story
saying that an investigation is underway and it would be inappropriate to
comment at this time. Many in Florin are asking if the country is being led by
someone who has committed murder. We await the outcome of further
investigations.
Isn’t that the true nature of David’s
crimes? If a world leader did such
things today, we would charge them with murder, abuse of power, unlawful
influence, and a number of other charges. Yet this is exactly what King David
of Israel did around 900 BC. The 2 Samuel 11 story goes
on and finds redemption in the 12th chapter, and we find further
evidence of David’s penitence in Psalm 51. David’s story is one of the best at
explaining what true repentance can look like. Yet, before we can understand
his contrition, we must first understand the true horror of his actions.
Perhaps framing it in this contemporary setting will help to set the stage for
such a transformation.
This blog is an excerpt from a sermon delivered at Bow Valley Christian Church on August 7, 2016. The full sermon can be heard on the BVCC website.