Once again, great discussion last night. And a shout out to Priscilla, Jennifer H., Kim, Bridgette, Amie, and Cortney for reading our texts last night. I believe it was Bridgette who pointed out that this episode in Bathsheba's life goes to show just how much the sin someone else can so greatly affect our lives. Even God's punishment of David was something Bathsheba had to endure.
During this time in David's life he committed the sins of irresponsibility, lust, adultery, deceit, murder, etc. As a result Bathsheba, who is scarcely mentioned throughout all of this, suffered sexual assault, being used as pawn at the hands of a power-drunk king, the murder of her husband, having to marry her husband's murderer, the loss of her first child, and the untold mental and emotional anguish that must have accompanied these things.
But God is good and began the restoration process of Bathsheba by giving her a son (Solomon), who God named Jedidiah, which means "loved by the Lord."
The Challenge:
The 2nd candle of Advent is the candle of Preparation which represents Love. Let's prepare our hearts this week by asking and acting on the following questions:
1) Is there any sin in my life that has affected someone else for which I need to seek forgiveness?
2) Are there any sins of others that have affected my life for which I need to offer forgiveness?
3) In what ways has God restored me for which I need to offer up thanks, praise, and adoration?
In Him,
Aaron
