David and Bathsheba (3)
I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust
after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Matthew 5:28
Read Matthew 5:27-32
Was it merely coincidence that a naked woman was washing herself when
David looked about aimlessly from the roof of his house? The writer of second
Samuel tells us that she washed herself after menstruation (2 Samuel
11:4). She did this so she could mix with society (Leviticus 15:19-33). She
washed herself within the confines of her own home (whether this took
place in the courtyard or in view of a window), without considering that
she might be seen from an elevated vantage point. But David saw her and
was captivated by what he saw. What a beautiful woman! His boredom was
swept away; he became tense. Sinful thoughts began to surface, and soon he
took the next step by which he separated himself from God.
David’s time cannot be compared with our day. Our society has become
‘sex dominated’ through brochures, advertising, TV, internet, fashion, etc.
Through these devices, our sexual feelings are stimulated and excessive desires
are being excited. Besides this danger is the fact that we live in a fast
paced society; we have no time for wholesome things. Statistics reveal that
pornographic sites receive the most hits during work breaks, in the evenings
and late nights, and on the weekends.
But the beautiful and tender gift of sexuality can only blossom in the safety
net of intimacy and true love. This offers humanity the possibility of enjoying
each other’s whole being, both physically and spiritually. But what happens
when we allow ourselves to be led by indolence and boredom? Then
our only desire is to get rid of that senseless feeling by satisfying our lusts.
The step from boredom to obsession is very small and easily made. That is
especially true of sexual addictions. In David’s case it began by just a look.
Question: Job said: I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I
think upon a maid? (Job 31:1) How can you make such a covenant?
Psalter 428:5 (based on Psalm 119)
O teach me, Lord, the way that I should go;
Then shall Thy servant walk therein forever.
Give understanding all Thy paths to know;
Then shall I keep Thy law with zealous fervor.
Instruct me in Thy perfect will and, lo,
I shall observe it with my whole endeavor.
