Faithful ‘Til Death (Uriah and Bathsheba)
David was told, “Uriah did not go home.” So he asked Uriah, “Haven’t you just come from a military campaign? Why didn’t you go home?”
Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents,[a] and my commander Joab and my lord’s men are camped in the open country. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and make love to my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!”
READ 1 Samuel 11:1-26.
The one night he didn’t have sex was the night he signed his death certificate. They were married. She was stunning. One could imagine that they had a long embrace and a passionate kiss before he went off to war, hoping that one day soon they would hold each other again. Well, the day came quicker than they imagined, for a reason, no one would or could have imagined.
While at war, Uriah got word that he needed to hurry home. Unsure of the emergency, he got back to town as soon as possible. He rushed to the king’s palace to give him an update on the battle. The dutiful soldier shared the battle strategy and updated the king on the progress of the war. Shortly after, Uriah was given permission to go home. Home to his bride. A visit any soldier would have welcomed after being away for so long. But Uriah was focused on battle. He was committed to the Lord's cause and did not afford himself the pleasure of his wife’s embrace while his fellow soldiers were out in battle. He put his love for God above his passion for his spouse.
Little did the committed soldier know that David orchestrated the “home leave” to cover up Bathsheba’s affair with the king he was fighting for. How could God allow this? It seems unfair. Uriah was faithful and lost his life, but David and Bathsheba were guilty of sin and survived the sordid tale.
What do you do when commitment gets you killed? Sometimes you can do everything right and still have things go wrong. Sometimes, you can be faithful and still suffer an untimely fate. Unfortunately, this reality does not excuse you from the call to be faithful. Eternity is the ultimate reward, and heaven will be worth it all!
Thought Questions
- Have your past actions caused mistrust in your union? Discuss with your spouse ways to rebuild trust in your marriage.
- Are you struggling with being faithful, especially because it seems as if no one is watching? Work with your spouse to list ways to celebrate and encourage yourself.
Life Lessons
- The Bible does not promise an earthly reward for faithfulness. However, the reward of heaven is more than enough. Stay faithful to God!
- Affairs can destroy a marriage because it impacts trust. If you and your spouse are dealing with the aftermath of infidelity, please take the time to find a licensed professional to guide you as you move towards rebuilding trust and healing.
Further Study
Read Colossians 3:23-24. What are some rewards that you are looking forward to in heaven? Think on these things!
