2 Samuel 11:1 In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.
I’ve been reading a novel based on the life of David and this inspired me to revisit some of the Biblical accounts of his life. The above verse is the beginning of the account of his deadly and destructive sexual encounter with Bathsheba which all begins with his decision to not attend to his role as leader of the military in the way he normally did. Memorial Day is next Monday and we will remember and respect those whose devotion to duty cost them their lives. There is more to life than devotion to duty. There is mercy and generosity and compassion to name just a few. But, like David in this story, it is often when we deviate from our devotion to duty, that is, when we neglect to do what we know we should do, that inappropriate and unfaithful and harmful things will rush in to fill the vacuum left there. Being about the daily stuff of a faithful life, faithful to family and community and God, is often not glamorous or exciting, but in the long run yields more love, joy and peace than the alternatives. What are the tasks of faithfulness to which you are called this week?
Logan Memorial Presbyterian Church 