Fridays with David

Read 2 Samuel 11:23-26 – And the messenger said to David, “Surely the men prevailed against us and came out to us in the field; then we drove them back as far as the entrance of the gate.The archers shot from the wall at your servants; and some of the king’s servants are dead, and your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.” Then David said to the messenger, “Thus you shall say to Joab: ‘Do not let this thing displease you, for the sword devours one as well as another. Strengthen your attack against the city, and overthrow it.’ So encourage him.” When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband. (NKJV)

David’s effort to console Joab must have been sickening to the General. He has lost men because of David’s scheme to cover up his sin. Now, David consoles him by turning him loose to exact his anger on the city under attack. Joab will vent that anger and destroy the city, but the true target of his anger remains—David. Breaches of integrity become gaping holes. The effort to cover them or fill them with justification looks and smells bad to those closest to us. By doing wrong and not taking responsibility for it, corruption is allowed to continue until everyone but the perpetrator has had enough. That day is coming for David. This story is a good reminder that when we compromise or “cut corners” with what is right, we may escape the criticism of the crowd, but there are other eyes that are watching. Our children, our closest friends and others who have a front-row view of our lives see our actions and our efforts to justify them. Such moments undercut our influence in the lives of these dear ones and will bring us toward a day of retribution. Never forget that the crowd’s opinion of your life is far less important than the view of those closest to you.

– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.