Then what?

 2 Samuel 11:1-15 v 11 “Uriah replied, “The ark and the armies of Israel and Judah are living in tents,’ and Joab and my master’s men are camping in open fields. How could I go home to wine and dine and sleep with my wife? I swear that I would never do such a thing.”

In the spring when Kings normally go out to fight David sent Joab and his army out to fight the Ammonites. David stayed behind in Jerusalem. As he looked out over the city he saw a beautiful woman. He sent for her and although she was the wife of Uriah the Hittite he slept with her. A while later she sent word to David that she was pregnant. David asked for Uriah to be sent to him and report on how the war was going. He wanted Uriah to go home. He did not. “Uriah replied, “The ark and the armies of Israel and Judah are living in tents,’ and Joab and my masters’ men are camping in open fields. How could I go home to wine and dine and sleep with my wife? I swear that I would never do such a thing.”  David tried again to send him home by getting him drunk, but he stayed in Jerusalem. Finally, he sent orders to have Uriah killed on the battlefield.

There are many questions that could be asked in this passage. Why did David not go into battle? Why did he knowingly sleep with someone else’s wife? Why did David a wise King scheme to try and cover up for the mistake he made? Why was a good and honorable man killed?

How many times have we heard in our time of men in power positions taking advantage of women and living to regret the action and scheming to cover it up? It is an old story often repeated. God sent us Jesus to show us how a person in power should always be humble. Rick Warren in his book the Daniel Plan about steps to a healthier life said we should learn two important words in the English language when it comes to your health and I will add other important decisions, then what!

Then what will happen if I eat this? Then what will happen if I say those impulsive words to my wife?

God gives us all we need but we must choose to use it! Check out Phillipians 4:8 for more encouraging words from Paul.

Prayer: Heavenly Father we are sorry for the poor decisions we make when we are not thinking about what you want, and give us understanding as we ask of ourselves “then what” before we act. Amen.