Bathesheba's Story

God’s Grace in the Midst of David’s Sin And It’s Consequences

Even at Christmas time, we live in a world marred by sin’s consequences.

The thing David had done displeased the Lord. Actions have consequences.

This is a story about an unexpected pregnancy. It’s a story about the Son of David. It’s a story about the God who saves His people from their sins. But it isn’t the kind of Christmas story you’ll find in a Sunday School Concert.

It’s more like the kind of story you’ll find on the evening news, or in the tabloids. Adultery… Murder… Attempted Cover-Up… Famous Celebrity Implicated in Alleged Sexual Misconduct… National Leader Denies any Involvement in Suspicious Death.

The advertisements and Hallmark Movies will tell you that this is the most wonderful time of the year, but even at Christmas things can feel dark and frightening and hopeless… we live in a sinful broken world… people do what they want, and take what they want, and figure that it’s all ok so long as they don’t get caught… but actions have consequences.

David was about to find that out.

David Tried to Cover Up His Sin and Escape the Consequences

David Sinned by Committing Adultery

· David sees, sends for, takes, sleeps with Bathsheba, who becomes pregnant. ()

· Adultery, abuse of power, possibly rape

David Tried to Cover Up Adultery by Manipulation and Murder

· David tries to cover up his sin by deceiving and then murdering Uriah. Uriah’s death is reported and David responds with relief ()

· D Attempted cover up, premeditated murder (Anything goes so long as you don't get caught. Defend self, hide guilt, shift blame)

· E David brings Bathsheba to his house, makes her his wife, she bears son

· Cover up appears successful

We Cannot Escape Sin’s Consequences or Hide Our Sin from God

· Evil was the thing which David did in eyes of YWHW ()

· It’s not just other people or non-Christians. We sin and we are hurt by other people's sin

When God Confronted David About His Sin, David Confessed and Repented

God Sent Nathan to Confront David About His Sin

· YHWH sends Nathan, who confronts David with a parable. ()

· G’ YHWH explains the parable ()

· F’ Nathan speaks God's judgement,

David Confessed His Sin of Adultery, Murder, and Treating God with Contempt

· David responds with confession ()

· Actions have terrible consequences. But God forgives, David doesn't die

David Experienced God’s Grace in the Midst of Sin’s Consequences

David Experienced God’s Grace in the midst of his son’s sickness and death

· Actions still have consequences E’ YHWH strikes the child, who becomes ill ()

· D’ David responds with fasting/repentance. The child’s death is reported and David responds with worship and trust ()

· God is present in the midst of the mess

David Experienced God’s Grace in the birth of a second son

· C’ David comforts/consoles Bathsheba, who becomes pregnant. Solomon is born. ()

· God doesn't revoke covenant promises, God loves Solomon

We Experience God’s Grace in the Midst of Sin’s Consequences

We Sin and Experience the Consequences of Sin

We Experience God’s Grace because of Jesus

· Why Jesus comes. David's son dies for David's sin

· (Angel tells Mary that God will give Jesus the throne of his father David, tells Joseph that Jesus will save his people from their sin)

· Point of Christmas is not family, friends, or spirit of generosity.

We Experience God’s Grace in the Midst of Sin’s Consequences

We Respond to God’s Grace in the Midst of Sin’s Consequences

When God Confronts us About our Sin, We Confess Our Sin and Hope in Christ

· Response to our sin --> confession, repentance, trust. God has forgiven you and shown you grace. You will still have to deal with the consequences of your actions. But God will not abandon you as you deal with those consequences. We have hope because of Jesus's death and resurrection.

When We Experience Sin’s Consequences, We Forgive the Sinner and Hope in Christ

· Responding to other’s sin (Forgive Sin, Face Consequences, Hope in Christ)

· Response to the sin of others --> Sometimes we will be devastated by the consequences of another's sin. But God will not abandon you as you deal with those consequences. Since God has forgiven us and shown us incredible grace, we are invited, commanded, and Spirit-enabled to show that forgiveness and grace to others. But forgiveness and grace does not erase consequences or eliminate the need for boundaries. In some cases it may be impossible to restore relationships. But we can look forward in hope to the day when God makes all things new, through Jesus' death and resurrection.

Confess Your Sin, Experience God’s Grace, Hope In Christ

· Confess Sin, Face Consequences with God’s help , Hope in Christ … Possible because David’s Son died for your sin

Prayer

Most merciful God, thank you for the Hope you give us in and through Jesus Christ. Jesus, thank you for coming into the world to save sinners. We confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.