2 Samuel 12:1-7: So the Lord sent Nathan the prophet to tell David this story: “There were two men in a certain town. One was rich, and one was poor. The rich man owned a great many sheep and cattle. The poor man owned nothing but one little lamb he had bought. He raised that little lamb, and it grew up with his children. It ate from the man’s own plate and drank from his cup. He cuddled it in his arms like a baby daughter. One day a guest arrived at the home of the rich man. But instead of killing an animal from his own flock or herd, he took the poor man’s lamb and killed it and prepared it for his guest. David was furious. “As surely as the Lord lives,” he vowed, “any man who would do such a thing deserves to die! He must repay four lambs to the poor man for the one he stole and for having no pity.” Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man!”

Sin may have pleasure for a season, but it will rob far more from you than it will offer. If you haven’t read about the consequences of David’s sin in his own family, and you’re being tempted with sin, I encourage you to read the rest of the story.

The prophet Nathan came to the king and shared a parable about two men. One was rich and had all that he needed, but the other man was poor and only had one ewe lamb. Nathan tells David about a traveler who came to visit the rich man. Likewise, in order to seduce us, Satan comes disguised in such a way that we wouldn’t even consider that it was him. Such was the case in David’s life. Satan had come to him as a traveler and provoked him to sin against God’s Word. Through his deceptive lies, the “traveler” had also blinded David to his own wicked actions.

Please take notice of the anger that arises in David’s heart against the rich man who had stolen the ewe lamb from the poor, innocent man. The king, not realizing that Nathan was speaking about him and his sin, judged, convicted, and condemned the rich man to death. David was quick to pass judgment on another man, until he realized that “he” was that other man. David was completely blinded that what he had done, for a moment of pleasure, was sin. David’s sin had cost a poor man his only possession, as well as his life.

Many people come to their senses after they have committed a sin or a crime only to find that they have been seduced and are now in bondage. Satan comes as a thief so that he might steal, kill, and destroy. In contrast, Jesus has come that you might have life and live your life to the full. Beware of “travelers” and “situations” that cause you to despise or distain the Word and will of God. Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, and body.

2 Samuel 12:7-9: “The Lord, the God of Israel, says: I anointed you king of Israel and saved you from the power of Saul. I gave you your master’s house and his wives and the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. And if that had not been enough, I would have given you much, much more. Why, then, have you despised the Word of the Lord and done this horrible deed? For you have murdered Uriah the Hittite with the sword of the Ammonites and stolen his wife.”

Satan loves it when people who know the Lord decide not to have any time for the Lord. He also enjoys creating diversions to keep them occupied so that they stay out of church, God’s Word, and prayer. Don’t set yourself up for a fall, but turn to the Lord and allow Him to bless you in such a way that you’ll be rich without sorrow.  —submitted by Pastor Asa Dockery, US