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The most obvious story of lust in the Bible is that of David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). David sees the very beautiful Bathsheba and decides that he wants her. Bathsheba becomes pregnant as a result of being with David. Upon learning of this, David calls for Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, and his plans to make it seem that the baby is Uriah’s child. David sends him out to the battlefront into a position that leads to Uriah’s death. After Bathsheba’s time of mourning was over David had her moved into his house and married her.
2 Samuel 11:27b says “But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.” In chapter 12, Nathan the prophet exposes David’s actions. The question asked in verse 9 is “Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes?” As a consequence of David’s actions, God brought illness and subsequently death to the child.
David’s household experienced hardships later on including the deaths of four other sons. We know that David repented and recovered favor with God. It’s interesting that in the New Testament David is mentioned but never concerning his relationship with Bathsheba. Even in a sinful situation such as David’s, God has a plan and in this one it is David and Bathsheba’s son, Solomon who becomes the heir to the throne.
We know that we will always face temptation so how do we defeat Lust? We have to make sure that our desires never become greater than the desire to submit to the way God says we must live. If unchecked, our desires lead us to serving ourselves at the expense of obeying God. Bishop William Willimon in his book “Sinning Like A Christian” (which some of us have been studying) says “The most important step in resisting Lust is thus the very first, that first baptismal step when we say, ‘God has created me for more. I say no!’”
Prayer: My God, give me strength to say “NO” when my worldly desires are greater than my desire to be close to You.
About the St. Thomas Lay Leaders We’d like to thank our Lay Leaders for their dedication and care of our congregation