Crossing the Line

He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, "She is Bathsheba..." 2 Samuel 11:3

David got up from his afternoon nap and opened the terrace doors unto the palace patio. The gentle breeze mussed his hair as he strolled out for a breathtaking view of the city below. Looking out over the city, David took in the bustling activity on the streets,merchants selling their wares, children laughing, running to and fro. A smile graced his lips as he watched these little ones change direction and skip down the street arm in arm. As David gazed down the street after them, something else- actually someone else- seized his attention. And as quickly as his smile had come, it vanished. There before him bathing herself, was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. David could not take his eyes off of her and without a break in his stare, he called one of his servants and instructed him to find out who this woman was. After discovering her name and who she belonged to he sent for her. The rest is history.

When David inadvertently saw Bathsheba bathing, he had a choice. Unfortunately, he chose to continue looking. Not only did he choose to watch her but he also took one step closer to the hangman's noose and inquired about her. After finding out she was married, he chose to invite her to his bedroom. A commentary says that David knew she would come, for who would be foolish enough to refuse the king's invitation as to risk punishment or even death? David knew what he was doing. The moment he chose to continue watching her was the moment he crossed the line. His heart was caught by Satan's lure- hook, line and sinker.

I have crossed the line. Sometimes deliberately- choice after choice after choice. Sometimes, before I even knew what hit me I have stared head on at the same noose wondering how I got there. Maybe I have not been in the exact situation David was, but I have traveled his steps more than once. There have been times I have chased after something so hard, I have abandoned Who I was supposed to be following hard after. Perhaps it has not been physical adultery, but it has been spiritual adultery. There have been things that I may have gazed at far too long and my heart was led astray. At times, my heart has grown restless and discontented, looking for what's deceivingly "better" than what God has called me to for this time and season. What about you? Do you have a Bathsheba in your life? Is there something or someone that has enticed, distracted or deceived your heart and gradually pulled you from the path of protection? God wants us back and is waiting for us to come and seek His face and heart in repentance.

Lord, forgive us for committing adultery- whether physical, emotional or spiritual. Forgive us for focusing so much on ourselves and our selfish desires that we have turned our back on You, our First Love. We are running back Father, into Your open arms. Cleanse us and hold us close. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher