No Exceptions

“No Exceptions”

1 Kings 15:5 & 2 Samuel 11:1-27

What will you be remembered for? Will people consider you a man or woman of God? Will people remember you as an effective minister of the gospel? After all is said and done, what will people remember about your life and ministry? The Bible gives us an example of a man of God named King David. How was David remembered by future generations?

1 Kings chapter 5 begins to give the account of Abijah, the great grandson of King David. According to the first few verses of chapter 5, King Abijah followed in the sins of his father and did not follow the God of his great grandfather David. David is remembered in verse 5 for following and obeying the commands of the Lord God of Israel. However, even though David was a man of devotion to God, he is also remembered for his tragic moral failure. Verse 5 says, “For David had done what was right in the eyes of the Lord and had not failed to keep any of the Lord’s commands all the days of his life--except in the case of Uriah the Hittite” (1 Kings 15:5 NIV).

2 Samuel 11 gives the account of this exception in the life of David. In the previous chapters David has defeated various armies and has become very successful as the King of Israel. David has proved to be a great leader and a man after the heart of God. However, the story found in chapter 11 seems to be a stark contrast to the previous stories about David. After all, David was the shepherd boy who was anointed king. He was the brave young man who killed Goliath. He was the musician for Saul who would write most of the Psalms. He was even the victorious warrior who has gained the favor of his people. But chapter 11 describes David as an adulterer and a murderer. Now we see the story that 1 Kings 5:15 refers to as “…except in the case of Uriah the Hittite.” As ministers of the gospel we should please God in all that we do. No Exceptions!

Seven Insights from the “Exception in the Life of King David”

#1: You’re dying in the present if your living in the past.

I don’t know about you, but in many ways I am not proud of my past. I have many past sins that I try to forget. I love to claim the promises that old things are passed away and everything has become new. I love the fact that I am a new creation in Christ Jesus. I agree with Paul that I am not looking at the things behind me but instead I am looking ahead. These verses help us to forget our past failures and focus on the future. However, many times I like to look back at past successes and dwell upon them. It becomes easier for me to remember past victories and lean upon them.

David had just defeated many armies and nations in the past few chapters. He was successful against the Philistines, the Moabites, the Edomites, and others. But 2 Samuel 11:1 indicates that David decided not to go out to finish fighting the Ammonites. It appears to me that David had become content with past victories. He had the memories

of the past to lean on, but he did not have a vision of the future to lead on. If you’re living in the past, then you’re dying in the present.

The Central Bible College Spartans came into this past season as the defending NCCAA Division 2 National Champions. Throughout the course of this season these young men could not depend upon last year’s success to win another championship. As a matter of fact, last year’s championship just meant that they were the team to beat. They had a target on their back because of their past success. The CBC Spartans won nationals again this year. But it was not because they depended upon the victories of the past, it was because they were focused on winning this year’s championship.

In the same way, as Christians we cannot depend on yesterday’s success. The victories of yesterday have caused us to become a target for the enemy today. Once again, just like David, if you’re living in the past, then you’re dying in the present.

#2: When we are out of the way of our duty, we are in the way of temptation.

The second principal of this story comes from the same verse. Verse 1 describes the scene. “In the Spring, at the time when king’s go off to war…David remained in Jerusalem.” David should be out on the front lines leading his men to victory, but instead he chooses to remain in Jerusalem where he would soon be morally defeated. The ministry requires time for rest and relaxation. However, when duty calls, and it is time to lead, we must answer the call and be there.