1 00:00:00,960 --> 00:00:03,240 Speaker 1: But I say to you that everyone who looks at 2 00:00:03,279 --> 00:00:07,380 Speaker 1: a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with 3 00:00:07,420 --> 00:00:15,450 Speaker 1: her in his heart. Matthew 5.28 Dear Lord, This command 4 00:00:15,630 --> 00:00:19,290 Speaker 1: challenges us to examine the purity of our thoughts and 5 00:00:19,310 --> 00:00:25,150 Speaker 1: the intentions behind our gaze. We confess that we often 6 00:00:25,250 --> 00:00:29,950 Speaker 1: fall short of this standard. In a world saturated with 7 00:00:30,010 --> 00:00:35,870 Speaker 1: temptations and images that provoke impure thoughts, we struggle to 8 00:00:35,909 --> 00:00:40,850 Speaker 1: keep our hearts and minds clean. Not just with matters 9 00:00:40,890 --> 00:00:46,210 Speaker 1: of lust, but with greed, covetousness, and jealousy as well. 10 00:00:48,150 --> 00:00:52,150 Speaker 1: We ask for your strength and your grace to guard 11 00:00:52,250 --> 00:00:56,590 Speaker 1: our eyes and our thoughts, to resist the lure of lust, 12 00:00:57,340 --> 00:01:03,060 Speaker 1: that seeks to entrap us. Purify our hearts and renew 13 00:01:03,240 --> 00:01:07,830 Speaker 1: our minds. Help us to see others not as objects, 14 00:01:07,970 --> 00:01:13,449 Speaker 1: but as precious beings made in your image, worthy of 15 00:01:13,530 --> 00:01:20,370 Speaker 1: respect and dignity. Create in us a steadfast spirit that 16 00:01:20,430 --> 00:01:25,620 Speaker 1: seeks to honor you in all our relationships. Teach us 17 00:01:25,660 --> 00:01:31,440 Speaker 1: to value true love and fidelity, reflecting the faithful love 18 00:01:31,890 --> 00:01:36,830 Speaker 1: Christ has for His Church. May we be committed to 19 00:01:36,950 --> 00:01:42,350 Speaker 1: nurturing purity in every aspect of our lives so that 20 00:01:42,410 --> 00:01:47,790 Speaker 1: we may stand before You blameless, our lives a testament 21 00:01:48,430 --> 00:01:54,270 Speaker 1: to Your transformative power. In the name of Jesus, who 22 00:01:54,330 --> 00:02:00,520 Speaker 1: grants us the victory over every sin We pray. Amen. 23 00:02:02,460 --> 00:02:05,530 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. This is the 24 00:02:05,590 --> 00:02:13,209 Speaker 1: Jesus Podcast. Gospel stories reimagined with immersive storytelling and thoughtful reflection. 25 00:02:14,370 --> 00:02:17,560 Speaker 1: Stick around for another story inspired by the Sermon on 26 00:02:17,600 --> 00:02:21,899 Speaker 1: the Mount. If this podcast has blessed you, we'd love 27 00:02:21,940 --> 00:02:25,140 Speaker 1: it if you left a review. We want to hear 28 00:02:25,220 --> 00:02:31,870 Speaker 1: how the gospel works His transforming lives. Jesus lifted his 29 00:02:32,030 --> 00:02:35,950 Speaker 1: arms and pretended he was balancing a scale. He lifted 30 00:02:36,090 --> 00:02:38,190 Speaker 1: one arm up and said, You. 31 00:02:38,130 --> 00:02:40,609 Speaker 2: Have heard it said to those of old, You shall 32 00:02:40,650 --> 00:02:44,850 Speaker 2: not murder, and whoever murders will be liable to judgment. 33 00:02:45,590 --> 00:02:48,700 Speaker 2: But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his 34 00:02:48,760 --> 00:02:53,270 Speaker 2: brother will be liable to judgment. Whoever insults his brother 35 00:02:53,650 --> 00:02:57,510 Speaker 2: will be liable to the council, and whoever says, you fool, 36 00:02:57,990 --> 00:03:00,350 Speaker 2: will be liable to the hellfire. 37 00:03:01,010 --> 00:03:04,790 Speaker 1: Jesus raised the standard, piercing straight to the heart. 38 00:03:05,370 --> 00:03:07,310 Speaker 2: If you are worshiping in the house of the Lord, 39 00:03:07,790 --> 00:03:10,710 Speaker 2: and remember there that your brother has something against you, 40 00:03:11,270 --> 00:03:15,350 Speaker 2: leave the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, 41 00:03:16,030 --> 00:03:18,010 Speaker 2: then come and worship. 42 00:03:18,620 --> 00:03:22,900 Speaker 1: Jesus lifted the other arm, continuing to explain the nature 43 00:03:23,020 --> 00:03:25,739 Speaker 1: of the heart and God's view of sin. 44 00:03:26,040 --> 00:03:29,200 Speaker 2: But I say to you, everyone who looks at a 45 00:03:29,250 --> 00:03:35,050 Speaker 2: woman with objectifying lust has already committed adultery in his heart. 46 00:03:35,510 --> 00:03:38,370 Speaker 1: The men in the crowd stirred, all of a sudden 47 00:03:38,450 --> 00:03:47,910 Speaker 1: feeling vulnerable, called out. Jesus lifted an earnest voice and said, If. 48 00:03:47,890 --> 00:03:50,510 Speaker 2: Your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. 49 00:03:51,190 --> 00:03:53,450 Speaker 2: It's better that you lose only one of your members 50 00:03:53,890 --> 00:03:58,010 Speaker 2: than your whole body being thrown into hell. If your 51 00:03:58,050 --> 00:04:01,490 Speaker 2: right hand causes you to sin, cut it off. Throw 52 00:04:01,550 --> 00:04:04,470 Speaker 2: it away. It's better to lose one of your members 53 00:04:04,510 --> 00:04:07,610 Speaker 2: than for your whole body to burn in hell. 54 00:04:09,790 --> 00:04:12,720 Speaker 3: The second you say, oh, well, I would never commit 55 00:04:12,780 --> 00:04:15,540 Speaker 3: that sin, is the moment you let your guard down 56 00:04:15,600 --> 00:04:19,030 Speaker 3: to it. You stop praying for resolve, and the enemy 57 00:04:19,190 --> 00:04:23,099 Speaker 3: creeps right in, unnoticed. Before you know it, you're committing 58 00:04:23,120 --> 00:04:26,659 Speaker 3: the very acts you said you'd never do. This is 59 00:04:26,700 --> 00:04:31,320 Speaker 3: the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with Pray.com. Join us as 60 00:04:31,400 --> 00:04:34,380 Speaker 3: we continue our mini-series through the Sermon on the Mount. 61 00:04:35,260 --> 00:04:38,200 Speaker 3: We've been connecting biblical stories to the gospel message of 62 00:04:38,279 --> 00:04:41,850 Speaker 3: Jesus spoken in the Sermon on the Mount. Take a 63 00:04:41,870 --> 00:04:45,089 Speaker 3: moment today to follow the podcast and subscribe on whatever 64 00:04:45,170 --> 00:04:48,970 Speaker 3: platform you listen to. doing so, make sure you never 65 00:04:49,010 --> 00:04:53,750 Speaker 3: miss an episode. We really appreciate you listening. Artfully crafting 66 00:04:53,790 --> 00:04:56,890 Speaker 3: these stories has been a joy, and we're looking forward 67 00:04:56,930 --> 00:05:00,490 Speaker 3: to making more. Today, we turn our focus to a 68 00:05:00,690 --> 00:05:03,940 Speaker 3: powerful teaching from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, found in 69 00:05:04,000 --> 00:05:10,320 Speaker 3: Matthew 5, verses 27-30. This passage addresses the deep issues 70 00:05:10,400 --> 00:05:13,979 Speaker 3: of lust and adultery, and we'll connect it to the 71 00:05:14,120 --> 00:05:19,359 Speaker 3: tragic story of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel chapter 11. Together, 72 00:05:19,560 --> 00:05:23,650 Speaker 3: we'll explore how adultery begins with small compromises in the 73 00:05:23,710 --> 00:05:29,270 Speaker 3: heart and grows into something uncontrollable, emphasizing the need to 74 00:05:29,330 --> 00:05:31,070 Speaker 3: guard our hearts diligently. 75 00:05:33,330 --> 00:05:35,909 Speaker 1: David lay on a small bed of cushions on the 76 00:05:35,930 --> 00:05:41,360 Speaker 1: balcony of his roof, soaking in the day's warmth. The 77 00:05:41,400 --> 00:05:45,219 Speaker 1: sun kissed his skin. and the slight coolness of the 78 00:05:45,260 --> 00:05:50,339 Speaker 1: breeze kept him from overheating. The king was half asleep, 79 00:05:51,240 --> 00:05:56,380 Speaker 1: enjoying a perfectly peaceful afternoon and resting his bones after 80 00:05:56,440 --> 00:06:01,910 Speaker 1: a long battle. After his conquest of the Syrians, David 81 00:06:01,950 --> 00:06:05,849 Speaker 1: returned home to rest and enjoy a break from the 82 00:06:05,890 --> 00:06:10,650 Speaker 1: chaos of war. However, the Ammonites were still a threat 83 00:06:10,690 --> 00:06:16,830 Speaker 1: to Israel. David sent his men on his behalf. Although 84 00:06:16,910 --> 00:06:19,589 Speaker 1: his duty as king was to be present in battle, 85 00:06:20,610 --> 00:06:25,870 Speaker 1: David thought he had earned a break. The king stretched 86 00:06:25,930 --> 00:06:30,480 Speaker 1: his weary body out on the pillows and yawned. This 87 00:06:30,540 --> 00:06:33,960 Speaker 1: was the first pause he had given himself since becoming king. 88 00:06:35,980 --> 00:06:39,610 Speaker 1: David lounged and sipped on a cup of wine, allowing 89 00:06:39,690 --> 00:06:43,690 Speaker 1: lethargy to set in. He stood to his feet and 90 00:06:43,830 --> 00:06:47,810 Speaker 1: balanced himself on the railing. He closed his eyes and 91 00:06:47,910 --> 00:06:53,190 Speaker 1: drew in the sweet spring air. His head was foggy, 92 00:06:53,910 --> 00:06:58,740 Speaker 1: and his mind was sluggish from napping. The king perused 93 00:06:58,770 --> 00:07:03,380 Speaker 1: the city below, sipping his cup and smiling at the passersby. 94 00:07:05,400 --> 00:07:10,060 Speaker 1: Another lethargic yawn exhaled from his mouth, and just as 95 00:07:10,120 --> 00:07:14,250 Speaker 1: he was about to retreat into his home, Something caught 96 00:07:14,290 --> 00:07:19,150 Speaker 1: his eye. A woman was bathing in a tub on 97 00:07:19,190 --> 00:07:25,590 Speaker 1: her roof, enjoying the sun's warmth. David initially looked away, 98 00:07:26,730 --> 00:07:32,570 Speaker 1: then paused to do a double take. He leaned even 99 00:07:32,630 --> 00:07:38,270 Speaker 1: further over the railing and took in the view. She 100 00:07:38,330 --> 00:07:43,430 Speaker 1: was breathtakingly beautiful. She glistened from the sun reflecting on 101 00:07:43,450 --> 00:07:47,790 Speaker 1: the water. And David could see nearly every inch of 102 00:07:47,850 --> 00:07:48,790 Speaker 1: her stunning frame. 103 00:07:49,470 --> 00:07:50,470 Speaker 2: Breathtaking! 104 00:07:51,350 --> 00:07:57,330 Speaker 1: His mind was fogged and judgment dulled. Chills crawled up 105 00:07:57,390 --> 00:08:02,040 Speaker 1: David's back. He felt the subtle seed of lust making 106 00:08:02,070 --> 00:08:07,260 Speaker 1: a home in his heart. Although David had his pick 107 00:08:07,300 --> 00:08:10,300 Speaker 1: of women and more wives than one man should have, 108 00:08:11,540 --> 00:08:16,000 Speaker 1: He felt drawn to her. Perhaps it was because she 109 00:08:16,040 --> 00:08:22,600 Speaker 1: wasn't his, and he wanted what he couldn't have. Maybe 110 00:08:22,660 --> 00:08:25,350 Speaker 1: it was because he felt he deserved a gift after 111 00:08:25,410 --> 00:08:31,510 Speaker 1: being so faithful. Whatever the thought was, it possessed David 112 00:08:32,170 --> 00:08:37,660 Speaker 1: to near madness. He grew anxious with desire and couldn't 113 00:08:37,760 --> 00:08:42,740 Speaker 1: remove her from his gaze. Every single movement of hers 114 00:08:42,860 --> 00:08:47,400 Speaker 1: enraptured him. He watched as the wet cloth rubbed against 115 00:08:47,450 --> 00:08:51,750 Speaker 1: her smooth skin. He gaped at her full lips as 116 00:08:51,770 --> 00:08:56,850 Speaker 1: she splashed water over her face. She finished bathing and 117 00:08:56,929 --> 00:09:02,630 Speaker 1: wrapped herself up. The play was over, but David was 118 00:09:02,650 --> 00:09:04,449 Speaker 1: hoping for a second act. 119 00:09:05,010 --> 00:09:07,410 Speaker 2: I must have her. She must be mine. 120 00:09:08,020 --> 00:09:10,560 Speaker 1: He turned back and beckoned his servant to come near. 121 00:09:11,500 --> 00:09:13,820 Speaker 1: He gestured to the home where the woman was. 122 00:09:14,280 --> 00:09:16,939 Speaker 2: Who lives in this house? Who was that woman I 123 00:09:16,980 --> 00:09:17,640 Speaker 2: saw on the roof? 124 00:09:18,260 --> 00:09:21,480 Speaker 4: The only one currently in the home is Bathsheba, the 125 00:09:21,520 --> 00:09:25,160 Speaker 4: wife of Uriah the Hittite, one of the almighty men. 126 00:09:26,350 --> 00:09:29,520 Speaker 4: He is away with Joab in battle, so she is alone. 127 00:09:29,950 --> 00:09:33,910 Speaker 1: David nodded and held back an excited smile. He was 128 00:09:33,990 --> 00:09:39,699 Speaker 1: silent momentarily, considering what he was about to do. On 129 00:09:39,740 --> 00:09:44,280 Speaker 1: the surface, it seemed like just one decision. However, up 130 00:09:44,340 --> 00:09:48,180 Speaker 1: until now, David had a pattern of recklessness in his 131 00:09:48,240 --> 00:09:56,110 Speaker 1: romantic relationships. He acquired many wives and concubines without consideration 132 00:09:56,230 --> 00:09:59,510 Speaker 1: of what it would do to his heart and theirs. 133 00:10:01,840 --> 00:10:06,760 Speaker 1: This one moment was the climax of a thousand small compromises. 134 00:10:07,440 --> 00:10:11,740 Speaker 1: Bring her to me, the servant said nothing. He simply 135 00:10:11,800 --> 00:10:17,400 Speaker 1: bowed his head and left. David stood up, straightened out 136 00:10:17,440 --> 00:10:21,580 Speaker 1: his royal robes, and went to his bedchambers to prepare. 137 00:10:23,040 --> 00:10:28,570 Speaker 1: The moon's silvery gleams descended in full brightness. Deva didn't 138 00:10:28,610 --> 00:10:32,010 Speaker 1: look up at the sky, as he often did. He 139 00:10:32,030 --> 00:10:34,990 Speaker 1: didn't want to look up, for then he would be 140 00:10:35,110 --> 00:10:38,760 Speaker 1: forced to think of his God, the author of his 141 00:10:38,860 --> 00:10:45,480 Speaker 1: faith and convictions. Instead, he settled his gaze upon the fireplace. 142 00:10:47,340 --> 00:10:50,630 Speaker 1: The intense heat radiated into the rest of the room. 143 00:10:52,170 --> 00:10:56,480 Speaker 1: David's lust burned like the heat of the flames. The 144 00:10:56,520 --> 00:11:01,860 Speaker 1: burning passion made him drunk. The truth is, he had 145 00:11:01,980 --> 00:11:05,320 Speaker 1: already made the decision when he allowed himself to gaze 146 00:11:05,580 --> 00:11:11,170 Speaker 1: at Bathsheba. The spirit of adultery had already coiled around 147 00:11:11,250 --> 00:11:16,910 Speaker 1: his heart and mind, squeezing the conviction out of him. 148 00:11:18,710 --> 00:11:24,809 Speaker 1: It made the next decision all too easy. The large 149 00:11:24,890 --> 00:11:29,910 Speaker 1: double door built of cedar and iron opened slowly. The 150 00:11:29,950 --> 00:11:34,030 Speaker 1: light emanating from the flames illuminated the room just enough 151 00:11:34,070 --> 00:11:37,790 Speaker 1: for him to see her. She wore a tight linen 152 00:11:37,850 --> 00:11:43,450 Speaker 1: dress that rested delicately over her waist. Her brown wavy 153 00:11:43,510 --> 00:11:47,670 Speaker 1: hair lay over her shoulders, barely hidden by her head covering. 154 00:11:49,170 --> 00:11:54,090 Speaker 1: She walked in nervously. He watched every move of her 155 00:11:54,130 --> 00:11:58,530 Speaker 1: hips as she walked forward. They swayed back and forth 156 00:11:58,880 --> 00:12:04,760 Speaker 1: like a pendulum, keeping David's full attention. There was silence 157 00:12:05,000 --> 00:12:07,839 Speaker 1: for a short while as they stood and stared at 158 00:12:07,920 --> 00:12:12,780 Speaker 1: one another. Bathsheba was terrified, but couldn't show it. 159 00:12:13,910 --> 00:12:15,210 Speaker 2: You summoned me, Lord? 160 00:12:15,890 --> 00:12:20,290 Speaker 1: She knew David's intentions. Why else would she be brought 161 00:12:20,309 --> 00:12:26,190 Speaker 1: to his chambers alone? She came to him, but the 162 00:12:26,270 --> 00:12:32,820 Speaker 1: choice was an illusion. She couldn't refuse the king. David 163 00:12:32,880 --> 00:12:37,420 Speaker 1: was blinded by lust. It hindered his ability to hear 164 00:12:37,480 --> 00:12:41,720 Speaker 1: the fear in her voice. It kept him from seeing 165 00:12:41,800 --> 00:12:47,210 Speaker 1: the shift in her eyes. The white noise of self-indulgence 166 00:12:47,809 --> 00:12:52,530 Speaker 1: drowned out the voice of his conscience. He stepped closer, 167 00:12:53,630 --> 00:12:59,510 Speaker 1: and Bathsheba froze. She looked up at him. He was 168 00:12:59,600 --> 00:13:06,260 Speaker 1: handsome and with kind eyes. He was impressive, but most 169 00:13:06,300 --> 00:13:11,020 Speaker 1: of her felt shame, fear, and helplessness. 170 00:13:11,780 --> 00:13:12,819 Speaker 2: I shouldn't be here. 171 00:13:13,460 --> 00:13:16,560 Speaker 1: David took his hand and gently placed it on her chin, 172 00:13:17,520 --> 00:13:22,140 Speaker 1: directing her face back at his. David leaned in and 173 00:13:22,200 --> 00:13:27,150 Speaker 1: kissed her as the flickering flame continued to burn. She 174 00:13:27,230 --> 00:13:32,450 Speaker 1: kissed him in return, and thus began the night of sin. 175 00:13:34,070 --> 00:13:38,460 Speaker 1: David wrapped his arms around Bathsheba. In the heat of passion, 176 00:13:38,580 --> 00:13:42,300 Speaker 1: he didn't think of his family. In the forbidden pleasure, 177 00:13:42,600 --> 00:13:48,330 Speaker 1: he didn't think of Uriah. David enjoyed every second of 178 00:13:48,390 --> 00:13:55,430 Speaker 1: his sin. He felt invincible, untouchable, and immune to the 179 00:13:55,470 --> 00:14:03,910 Speaker 1: effects of his actions. He was gravely mistaken. Weeks passed, 180 00:14:04,620 --> 00:14:07,020 Speaker 1: and David did his best to remove the night of 181 00:14:07,080 --> 00:14:11,860 Speaker 1: sin from his mind. But he couldn't. He thought about 182 00:14:11,920 --> 00:14:17,199 Speaker 1: Bathsheba more and more as the days rolled on. It 183 00:14:17,240 --> 00:14:21,370 Speaker 1: was not love that David felt. No, he simply loved 184 00:14:21,450 --> 00:14:25,550 Speaker 1: the pleasure she brought him. It was a low point 185 00:14:26,010 --> 00:14:32,050 Speaker 1: for God's anointed king. After his midnight escapade with Bathsheba, 186 00:14:33,010 --> 00:14:39,250 Speaker 1: David continued to shirk his responsibilities. David's servant entered the hall. 187 00:14:40,510 --> 00:14:44,090 Speaker 1: He twiddled his thumbs and looked away, considering what to 188 00:14:44,130 --> 00:14:44,590 Speaker 1: say next. 189 00:14:45,590 --> 00:14:48,630 Speaker 4: My lord, I have been told Bathsheba desires to speak 190 00:14:48,690 --> 00:14:52,270 Speaker 4: with you. She has requested that she come immediately. 191 00:14:53,050 --> 00:14:57,860 Speaker 2: Excellent news. Then bring her to me. I shall prepare. 192 00:14:58,540 --> 00:15:01,120 Speaker 2: And as always, tell no one of this. 193 00:15:01,740 --> 00:15:05,580 Speaker 1: The servant knew what David didn't. He sent for her. 194 00:15:06,460 --> 00:15:08,740 Speaker 1: And in the secrecy of night, the young woman was 195 00:15:08,820 --> 00:15:13,610 Speaker 1: brought into his chambers. David ran his hand through her 196 00:15:13,650 --> 00:15:14,890 Speaker 1: hair and smiled. 197 00:15:15,890 --> 00:15:17,910 Speaker 2: You look radiant. 198 00:15:18,630 --> 00:15:22,550 Speaker 1: David reached for her. She pulled away and looked at 199 00:15:22,590 --> 00:15:24,030 Speaker 1: him with fearful eyes. 200 00:15:24,790 --> 00:15:30,590 Speaker 2: What's wrong? My king, I am pregnant. 201 00:15:31,190 --> 00:15:35,930 Speaker 1: Tears welled up in her eyes and she began to weep. 202 00:15:37,770 --> 00:15:42,940 Speaker 1: David stepped back and leaned against the table. His heart 203 00:15:43,060 --> 00:15:46,780 Speaker 1: began to pound heavily and for the first time in 204 00:15:46,800 --> 00:15:53,930 Speaker 1: weeks he felt completely sober. Could it be Uriah's? 205 00:15:54,650 --> 00:15:58,200 Speaker 2: Of course it's yours. My husband has been fighting against 206 00:15:58,240 --> 00:16:01,540 Speaker 2: the Ammonites on your behalf. I haven't seen him in months. 207 00:16:01,980 --> 00:16:07,120 Speaker 1: The words stung David's heart. He had neglected his responsibilities 208 00:16:07,280 --> 00:16:11,820 Speaker 1: as king. He leveraged his status to take advantage of her. 209 00:16:13,220 --> 00:16:16,280 Speaker 1: Now would usually be the time when David leaned on 210 00:16:16,320 --> 00:16:21,200 Speaker 1: the wisdom of God. However... He had already created a 211 00:16:21,220 --> 00:16:25,350 Speaker 1: habit of listening to his voice instead of the Lord's. 212 00:16:26,970 --> 00:16:31,770 Speaker 1: He ignored his instinct to pray and frantically reassured Bathsheba 213 00:16:32,630 --> 00:16:34,250 Speaker 1: that he would handle everything. 214 00:16:34,550 --> 00:16:37,280 Speaker 2: Do not worry, my dear. I shall make this right. 215 00:16:38,020 --> 00:16:41,460 Speaker 2: You will not be cast aside. All will be well again. 216 00:16:42,280 --> 00:16:45,800 Speaker 1: He sent her back home to rest. The king sat 217 00:16:45,840 --> 00:16:48,940 Speaker 1: down at his table and pulled at his hair. He 218 00:16:48,980 --> 00:16:50,300 Speaker 1: called his servant. 219 00:16:49,960 --> 00:16:53,520 Speaker 2: And said, Send word to Job. I need Uriah to 220 00:16:53,560 --> 00:16:55,840 Speaker 2: be taken from battle and return to me. 221 00:16:56,420 --> 00:16:59,060 Speaker 1: The servant bowed his head and did as he was told. 222 00:17:00,640 --> 00:17:03,520 Speaker 1: David pressed his head against the table and groaned. 223 00:17:04,740 --> 00:17:05,780 Speaker 2: What a mess I've made. 224 00:17:06,359 --> 00:17:10,570 Speaker 1: Lust is a trapdoor to all other sorts of sins 225 00:17:10,980 --> 00:17:16,510 Speaker 1: and tragedies. The king sat on his throne, listening to 226 00:17:16,550 --> 00:17:20,560 Speaker 1: the elders give reports on their tribes. He took note 227 00:17:20,580 --> 00:17:26,950 Speaker 1: of the small disputes, glaring needs, and successful growth. David 228 00:17:27,170 --> 00:17:31,010 Speaker 1: was always adept at listening to the elders and considering 229 00:17:31,070 --> 00:17:35,550 Speaker 1: their wisdom regarding the kingdom. It was a trait that 230 00:17:35,570 --> 00:17:38,290 Speaker 1: he had hoped to pass down to his son Absalom, 231 00:17:38,910 --> 00:17:44,500 Speaker 1: heir to the throne. Yet today, David's mind was elsewhere. 232 00:17:45,800 --> 00:17:49,160 Speaker 1: He was thinking about this new child in Bathsheba's womb. 233 00:17:50,730 --> 00:17:56,719 Speaker 1: He was anxious and nervously awaited Uriah's arrival. After the 234 00:17:56,820 --> 00:18:01,160 Speaker 1: elders departed, the doors opened and the messenger walked in 235 00:18:01,500 --> 00:18:07,090 Speaker 1: with Uriah. His hair was dirty and soaked. His armor 236 00:18:07,130 --> 00:18:12,770 Speaker 1: was stained red and caked with mud. David's heart beat 237 00:18:12,830 --> 00:18:18,149 Speaker 1: profoundly at the sight of him. Uriah was a loyal friend, 238 00:18:19,130 --> 00:18:22,570 Speaker 1: one of his mighty men. who followed him in the wilderness. 239 00:18:24,170 --> 00:18:28,040 Speaker 1: Yet the desire to cover up his sin was more 240 00:18:28,130 --> 00:18:32,920 Speaker 1: significant than his conviction. And it took David no time 241 00:18:33,600 --> 00:18:34,699 Speaker 1: to begin his lies. 242 00:18:35,400 --> 00:18:39,219 Speaker 2: Uriah, I'm glad you've come. You must be weary from 243 00:18:39,240 --> 00:18:44,180 Speaker 2: your travels. Go, wash yourself, greet your wife. We should 244 00:18:44,220 --> 00:18:46,950 Speaker 2: talk about the battle when you've bathed and had a 245 00:18:46,970 --> 00:18:47,790 Speaker 2: proper embrace. 246 00:18:48,490 --> 00:18:51,340 Speaker 3: With all due respect, my king, I want to update 247 00:18:51,380 --> 00:18:55,460 Speaker 3: you on the battle and request reinforcements. Then I would 248 00:18:55,740 --> 00:18:58,620 Speaker 3: like to return to the men. They need me. 249 00:18:59,359 --> 00:19:04,440 Speaker 1: David winced at Uriah's noble heart. Pangs of conviction began 250 00:19:04,480 --> 00:19:09,030 Speaker 1: to bubble up, but he ignored them. He wouldn't admit 251 00:19:09,090 --> 00:19:12,990 Speaker 1: his fault. He needed to continue manipulating. 252 00:19:13,650 --> 00:19:17,370 Speaker 2: I admire your spirit. However, I have much to do 253 00:19:17,430 --> 00:19:21,830 Speaker 2: before the day is over. Let us convene tomorrow. Go home, 254 00:19:22,530 --> 00:19:25,590 Speaker 2: enjoy a warm bed with your wife, and we shall 255 00:19:25,630 --> 00:19:26,490 Speaker 2: speak at daybreak. 256 00:19:27,190 --> 00:19:31,150 Speaker 1: Uriah didn't do what he was told. He waited outside 257 00:19:31,210 --> 00:19:34,890 Speaker 1: the king's house and rested his head against the stone walls. 258 00:19:36,290 --> 00:19:40,090 Speaker 1: He closed his eyes and breathed in the spring air. 259 00:19:41,840 --> 00:19:46,560 Speaker 1: Uriah's weary bones relaxed outside, and he fell asleep near 260 00:19:46,580 --> 00:19:51,939 Speaker 1: the steps. David was up all night. anxiously pacing back 261 00:19:52,040 --> 00:19:57,050 Speaker 1: and forth near the fire. He would be more comfortable 262 00:19:57,090 --> 00:20:03,149 Speaker 1: knowing Uriah was with Bathsheba. In all the anxiety and waiting, 263 00:20:04,230 --> 00:20:08,179 Speaker 1: it didn't occur to him to seek the Lord. The 264 00:20:08,260 --> 00:20:13,639 Speaker 1: shame in his heart kept him from approaching God. Instead 265 00:20:13,680 --> 00:20:16,379 Speaker 1: of confessing and bringing his sin to the altar of 266 00:20:16,420 --> 00:20:21,100 Speaker 1: the Lord, he buried his shame and sought to cover 267 00:20:21,220 --> 00:20:25,740 Speaker 1: up his sin. After a sleepless night in his room, 268 00:20:26,460 --> 00:20:31,159 Speaker 1: David rose at sunrise to walk in the garden. To 269 00:20:31,200 --> 00:20:35,980 Speaker 1: David's dismay, it was Uriah sleeping on the floor. 270 00:20:36,680 --> 00:20:40,040 Speaker 2: Uriah! What are you doing here? Why haven't you gone 271 00:20:40,100 --> 00:20:41,020 Speaker 2: home to Bathsheba? 272 00:20:41,700 --> 00:20:45,880 Speaker 1: Uriah stood at attention. He was shorter than David, yet 273 00:20:45,980 --> 00:20:48,730 Speaker 1: somehow seemed a hundred feet taller. 274 00:20:49,310 --> 00:20:52,490 Speaker 3: The Ark of Covenant dwells in a tent. Joab and 275 00:20:52,510 --> 00:20:55,330 Speaker 3: the others are camping in the mud with arrows fired 276 00:20:55,390 --> 00:20:58,960 Speaker 3: at them. For me to eat, drink, and lie with 277 00:20:59,020 --> 00:21:02,860 Speaker 3: my wife would be a disgrace. How could I live 278 00:21:02,900 --> 00:21:05,940 Speaker 3: with myself knowing that they are cold and vulnerable while 279 00:21:06,119 --> 00:21:07,240 Speaker 3: I am warm and full? 280 00:21:08,030 --> 00:21:12,689 Speaker 1: David was growing irritated with Uriah's righteousness. It vexed him 281 00:21:12,950 --> 00:21:16,250 Speaker 1: to be in the presence of someone so devoted. It 282 00:21:16,330 --> 00:21:19,149 Speaker 1: made his shortcomings all the more real. 283 00:21:20,090 --> 00:21:23,710 Speaker 2: What a blessing to have you as a brother-in-arms, Uriah. Come, 284 00:21:24,380 --> 00:21:27,120 Speaker 2: let us eat and discuss the war. You shall stay 285 00:21:27,160 --> 00:21:29,840 Speaker 2: with me today, and I shall send you back tomorrow. 286 00:21:30,500 --> 00:21:33,200 Speaker 1: The two discussed the battle, the state of the men, 287 00:21:33,820 --> 00:21:38,179 Speaker 1: and the need to press forward. As the day drew on, 288 00:21:38,320 --> 00:21:43,260 Speaker 1: David brought meats, cheeses, and wine. He told the servants 289 00:21:43,300 --> 00:21:47,460 Speaker 1: to always keep Uriah's cup full. To the best of 290 00:21:47,540 --> 00:21:52,810 Speaker 1: David's ability, he tried to get the man drunk. Uriah 291 00:21:52,869 --> 00:21:56,890 Speaker 1: continued to drink. You must miss your wife dearly, Uriah. 292 00:21:57,490 --> 00:22:01,050 Speaker 1: She is very beautiful. Oh, yes. 293 00:22:02,090 --> 00:22:03,649 Speaker 3: She is the love of my life. 294 00:22:06,250 --> 00:22:11,669 Speaker 1: A cool spring in a desolate desert. His poetic description 295 00:22:11,690 --> 00:22:14,730 Speaker 1: of his wife did not help David with his guilt. 296 00:22:15,590 --> 00:22:21,510 Speaker 2: Go home, Uriah. Embrace her as her husband. You're no 297 00:22:21,609 --> 00:22:23,450 Speaker 2: doubt anxious to bed her again. 298 00:22:23,470 --> 00:22:24,620 Speaker 3: I will not. 299 00:22:26,320 --> 00:22:28,800 Speaker 1: She's a delicacy. 300 00:22:28,840 --> 00:22:32,720 Speaker 5: If I bed her with my comrades lying in the dirt, 301 00:22:32,760 --> 00:22:33,850 Speaker 5: what kind of man am I? 302 00:22:35,780 --> 00:22:40,540 Speaker 3: Why should I bathe in gold while they bathe in filth? No, 303 00:22:41,480 --> 00:22:45,439 Speaker 3: I'll sleep here and then leave in the morning. 304 00:22:46,090 --> 00:22:49,550 Speaker 1: Uriah stumbled up onto his feet, knocking over his cup 305 00:22:49,670 --> 00:22:56,250 Speaker 1: in the process. He steadied himself and focused. After composing himself, 306 00:22:56,369 --> 00:23:00,230 Speaker 1: he waddled to a nearby lounging area and fell face 307 00:23:00,350 --> 00:23:05,490 Speaker 1: first into the cushions. David tried shaking him awake. but 308 00:23:05,530 --> 00:23:10,090 Speaker 1: the man was fast asleep. The king shook in frustration. 309 00:23:11,350 --> 00:23:14,350 Speaker 1: There would be no chance now of Uriah sleeping with 310 00:23:14,390 --> 00:23:21,320 Speaker 1: his wife. David found himself at a crossroads. He could 311 00:23:21,359 --> 00:23:26,100 Speaker 1: either give up on the charade and confess, or continue 312 00:23:26,119 --> 00:23:29,240 Speaker 1: to get tangled in the web of lies he had spun. 313 00:23:30,840 --> 00:23:35,260 Speaker 1: David clenched his fists and tensed his whole body. He 314 00:23:35,300 --> 00:23:40,460 Speaker 1: had so much rage boiling up in him. Lust gave 315 00:23:40,500 --> 00:23:46,310 Speaker 1: way to compromise. Compromise gave way to corruption. Corruption gave 316 00:23:46,410 --> 00:23:47,410 Speaker 1: way to rage. 317 00:23:48,010 --> 00:23:50,870 Speaker 2: What am I going to do? He's ruined everything. 318 00:23:51,310 --> 00:23:55,149 Speaker 1: David was unable to see that Uriah had done nothing wrong. 319 00:23:56,030 --> 00:23:58,909 Speaker 1: It was he who had gotten himself into this situation. 320 00:24:00,340 --> 00:24:03,240 Speaker 1: He paused his clamoring for a moment and drew a 321 00:24:03,260 --> 00:24:07,830 Speaker 1: deep breath. He closed his eyes and thought about his options. 322 00:24:08,950 --> 00:24:14,400 Speaker 1: Then an idea came to him. In all his years, 323 00:24:14,859 --> 00:24:21,200 Speaker 1: he had never considered something so heinous and sinful. Yet 324 00:24:21,260 --> 00:24:25,530 Speaker 1: he had already trained his mind to ignore the voice 325 00:24:25,590 --> 00:24:32,150 Speaker 1: of God. Without a second thought, David re-entered his home. 326 00:24:33,040 --> 00:24:35,120 Speaker 1: and began to write a message to Joab. 327 00:24:35,760 --> 00:24:38,859 Speaker 2: Job, it has come to my attention that the front 328 00:24:38,920 --> 00:24:43,290 Speaker 2: lines require more soldiers. After Uriah's visit, I have decided 329 00:24:43,330 --> 00:24:47,369 Speaker 2: to send you reinforcements. However, I am also requesting something 330 00:24:47,430 --> 00:24:50,949 Speaker 2: from you. It is a matter of great importance and 331 00:24:50,970 --> 00:24:54,109 Speaker 2: will require your secrecy as my commander and right hand. 332 00:24:54,790 --> 00:24:58,400 Speaker 2: You must set Uriah at the forefront of the harshest 333 00:24:58,440 --> 00:25:02,070 Speaker 2: parts of the battlefield. When he marches in, Order the 334 00:25:02,190 --> 00:25:06,390 Speaker 2: other soldiers to delay before following him. I need Uriah 335 00:25:06,510 --> 00:25:10,850 Speaker 2: to fall on the battlefield. Considering my forgiveness of your 336 00:25:10,910 --> 00:25:13,869 Speaker 2: crimes against Abner, I trust that you will obey me 337 00:25:13,910 --> 00:25:16,430 Speaker 2: without question. King David. 338 00:25:17,260 --> 00:25:20,300 Speaker 1: David sealed the letter with his royal emblem and had 339 00:25:20,320 --> 00:25:25,260 Speaker 1: his messenger leave immediately for Joab. He sat back in 340 00:25:25,300 --> 00:25:30,179 Speaker 1: his seat, contemplating what he had just done. he had 341 00:25:30,290 --> 00:25:36,030 Speaker 1: set in motion something that could not be undone. Tomorrow, 342 00:25:37,030 --> 00:25:42,090 Speaker 1: Uriah would leave to fight, and he would never return. 343 00:25:43,840 --> 00:25:50,899 Speaker 1: Nothing would ever be the same. Weeks passed, and David 344 00:25:50,940 --> 00:25:55,060 Speaker 1: arose before the sunrise. He rolled out of bed and 345 00:25:55,119 --> 00:25:59,510 Speaker 1: looked at his new bride beside him. He had married Bathsheba, 346 00:25:59,920 --> 00:26:04,870 Speaker 1: after Uriah's death. The anxiety of covering up their affair 347 00:26:05,330 --> 00:26:11,409 Speaker 1: had left them exhausted. David had a disquieted soul, but 348 00:26:11,470 --> 00:26:16,930 Speaker 1: he didn't know it. The radical self-reflection he once had 349 00:26:17,830 --> 00:26:24,260 Speaker 1: was gone. His conscience was like an unsharpened blade, rusty 350 00:26:25,000 --> 00:26:29,889 Speaker 1: and dull. He had spent so much time quieting the 351 00:26:29,930 --> 00:26:33,409 Speaker 1: voice of God's spirit within him that it was nearly 352 00:26:33,510 --> 00:26:39,610 Speaker 1: impossible for him to feel guilty anymore. He wrapped himself 353 00:26:39,670 --> 00:26:42,560 Speaker 1: in his royal robes and left the house to stroll 354 00:26:42,640 --> 00:26:47,060 Speaker 1: among the gardens. The mild spring air was slowly giving 355 00:26:47,119 --> 00:26:51,040 Speaker 1: way to the heat of summer. He walked the gardens 356 00:26:51,520 --> 00:26:56,500 Speaker 1: humming an old tune and listening to the birds. Then, 357 00:26:56,940 --> 00:27:02,790 Speaker 1: almost out of nowhere, Nathan, the prophet, appeared. The king gasped, 358 00:27:03,660 --> 00:27:05,510 Speaker 1: then let out a sigh of relief. 359 00:27:06,710 --> 00:27:10,129 Speaker 2: Nathan, you startled me. It was great to see you 360 00:27:10,190 --> 00:27:12,910 Speaker 2: at the wedding. Bathsheba and I were pleased to have 361 00:27:12,950 --> 00:27:13,389 Speaker 2: you there. 362 00:27:14,290 --> 00:27:18,760 Speaker 4: I wouldn't have missed it, my son. However, I wish 363 00:27:18,880 --> 00:27:23,580 Speaker 4: I could carry on in the celebration, but alas, I cannot. 364 00:27:23,600 --> 00:27:23,679 Speaker 1: What? 365 00:27:24,820 --> 00:27:26,580 Speaker 4: I have heard disturbing news. 366 00:27:27,380 --> 00:27:28,180 Speaker 2: What troubles you? 367 00:27:28,640 --> 00:27:31,450 Speaker 1: The old man gestured for the king to sit down. 368 00:27:32,770 --> 00:27:36,510 Speaker 1: The two sat beside one another, soaking in the new 369 00:27:36,609 --> 00:27:41,830 Speaker 1: rays of the morning. Nathan sighed and said, Ah. 370 00:27:43,170 --> 00:27:46,390 Speaker 4: I have heard a report, my king, and I would 371 00:27:46,430 --> 00:27:49,910 Speaker 4: very much like your thoughts on the matter, for you 372 00:27:49,970 --> 00:27:52,869 Speaker 4: have a heart that seeks after justice. 373 00:27:53,590 --> 00:27:56,570 Speaker 2: I will do what I can, Nathan. Tell me what happened. 374 00:27:57,190 --> 00:28:00,709 Speaker 1: Nathan nodded and plucked a flower from the garden. He 375 00:28:00,750 --> 00:28:04,899 Speaker 1: twiddled it between his fingers and began to tell the story. 376 00:28:05,940 --> 00:28:08,920 Speaker 4: There were two men who lived in this same village. 377 00:28:09,619 --> 00:28:12,640 Speaker 4: One of them was very rich and the other was 378 00:28:13,119 --> 00:28:17,560 Speaker 4: very poor. The rich man had many flocks of sheep, 379 00:28:17,660 --> 00:28:22,419 Speaker 4: goats and several herd of oxen. He was abundantly blessed. 380 00:28:23,369 --> 00:28:28,389 Speaker 4: But the poor man had nothing but one single little lamb. 381 00:28:29,490 --> 00:28:31,990 Speaker 4: He had bought this lamb with money he had saved 382 00:28:32,030 --> 00:28:36,159 Speaker 4: for quite some time. He nursed the lamb, bathed it, 383 00:28:36,980 --> 00:28:40,400 Speaker 4: nurtured it. The little lamb would even sleep with his 384 00:28:40,540 --> 00:28:45,000 Speaker 4: children at night. The lamb was like a daughter to 385 00:28:45,040 --> 00:28:46,140 Speaker 4: this poor man. 386 00:28:46,840 --> 00:28:50,940 Speaker 1: Nathan smiled and looked at David. The king enjoyed the 387 00:28:50,980 --> 00:28:55,740 Speaker 1: story thus far. And Nathan knew he had his attention. 388 00:28:56,280 --> 00:29:01,540 Speaker 4: However, something disturbing happened to that poor man. One day, 389 00:29:01,560 --> 00:29:05,360 Speaker 4: a traveler came to visit the rich man. Now, the 390 00:29:05,400 --> 00:29:08,540 Speaker 4: rich man wanted to feed his guest, but he didn't 391 00:29:08,580 --> 00:29:11,650 Speaker 4: want to prepare any of his own animals. So, in 392 00:29:11,670 --> 00:29:15,250 Speaker 4: the middle of the night, the rich man went into 393 00:29:15,290 --> 00:29:19,530 Speaker 4: the poor man's home and stole the little lamb. 394 00:29:20,550 --> 00:29:21,170 Speaker 5: He killed it. 395 00:29:25,930 --> 00:29:28,050 Speaker 4: What? 396 00:29:28,830 --> 00:29:33,080 Speaker 2: Who is this man? As the Lord lives, the man 397 00:29:33,130 --> 00:29:37,200 Speaker 2: who has done this deserves to die. I will restore 398 00:29:37,260 --> 00:29:41,280 Speaker 2: the lamb fourfold to the poor man. What sort of 399 00:29:41,480 --> 00:29:43,840 Speaker 2: egomaniacal monster would do such a thing? 400 00:29:43,860 --> 00:29:47,960 Speaker 1: Nathan stood to his feet and held out a finger 401 00:29:48,160 --> 00:29:52,840 Speaker 1: to the king. His eyes were filled with righteous indignation. 402 00:29:53,920 --> 00:29:57,580 Speaker 1: The old prophet boomed his voice downward toward the king. 403 00:29:58,440 --> 00:30:01,460 Speaker 5: You are that man, King David. 404 00:30:02,120 --> 00:30:06,700 Speaker 1: Nathan's voice carried and echoed across the garden, sending chills 405 00:30:06,960 --> 00:30:08,040 Speaker 1: down David's spine. 406 00:30:09,820 --> 00:30:10,580 Speaker 2: What do you mean? 407 00:30:11,280 --> 00:30:14,280 Speaker 5: Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel and the 408 00:30:14,340 --> 00:30:18,540 Speaker 5: God of justice. I anointed you king over the nation 409 00:30:18,920 --> 00:30:21,870 Speaker 5: and I delivered you from the wrath of Saul. I 410 00:30:21,900 --> 00:30:26,110 Speaker 5: gave you a home, wives and the nation. And if 411 00:30:26,450 --> 00:30:29,890 Speaker 5: all that were not enough, I've also added victories and 412 00:30:29,990 --> 00:30:34,730 Speaker 5: conquests to you. Why then have you despised my word 413 00:30:34,750 --> 00:30:38,870 Speaker 5: and done what is evil? You have struck down Uriah 414 00:30:38,910 --> 00:30:42,690 Speaker 5: the Hittite, a child of Israel, and taken his wife. 415 00:30:43,650 --> 00:30:46,990 Speaker 5: You have everything you could have ever wanted, yet you 416 00:30:47,030 --> 00:30:50,650 Speaker 5: stole from a man whose only treasure was his wife. 417 00:30:51,410 --> 00:30:55,729 Speaker 1: David was shaken to his core. Nathan spoke with the 418 00:30:55,810 --> 00:31:00,940 Speaker 1: authority of God. He could feel the Lord's anger bubbling 419 00:31:01,260 --> 00:31:01,780 Speaker 1: all over. 420 00:31:02,440 --> 00:31:07,070 Speaker 5: Hear the word of the Lord, giant slayer. Behold, the 421 00:31:07,170 --> 00:31:10,250 Speaker 5: sword shall never depart from your house because of the 422 00:31:10,350 --> 00:31:15,750 Speaker 5: violence you enacted against Uriah. Violence will plague your household 423 00:31:16,290 --> 00:31:19,690 Speaker 5: and strife will come upon you. I will raise up 424 00:31:19,910 --> 00:31:23,540 Speaker 5: evil against you out of your own home. Your wives 425 00:31:23,580 --> 00:31:26,020 Speaker 5: will scorn you and take on other lovers, and they 426 00:31:26,040 --> 00:31:29,440 Speaker 5: will do so publicly and in the sun. For you 427 00:31:29,480 --> 00:31:33,960 Speaker 5: did it secretly, but I will punish you before all Israel. 428 00:31:34,480 --> 00:31:38,410 Speaker 1: David fell to his knees. He wept at the feet 429 00:31:38,450 --> 00:31:38,950 Speaker 1: of Nathan. 430 00:31:40,130 --> 00:31:43,610 Speaker 2: I have sinned, Lord. I have no excuse. 431 00:31:44,410 --> 00:31:48,390 Speaker 1: Nathan knelt and touched David on the shoulder. He spoke 432 00:31:48,450 --> 00:31:50,989 Speaker 1: in a gentle voice, saying, Hmm. 433 00:31:52,110 --> 00:31:56,410 Speaker 4: The Lord will forgive you, my king. You will not die, 434 00:31:56,880 --> 00:32:02,600 Speaker 4: and your kingdom shall remain. Nevertheless, because of all the 435 00:32:02,680 --> 00:32:06,459 Speaker 4: strife and chaos this has caused, the child who was 436 00:32:06,520 --> 00:32:09,740 Speaker 4: born to you out of sin shall die. 437 00:32:10,420 --> 00:32:14,340 Speaker 1: David darted his eyes up to Nathan. He shook his 438 00:32:14,400 --> 00:32:18,840 Speaker 1: head in disbelief. But Nathan had nothing left to say. 439 00:32:20,600 --> 00:32:25,470 Speaker 1: He rose... and returned to his house, leaving David in 440 00:32:25,530 --> 00:32:28,050 Speaker 1: emotional and spiritual disarray. 441 00:32:28,830 --> 00:32:29,650 Speaker 2: What have I done? 442 00:32:30,730 --> 00:32:33,890 Speaker 1: David looked up at the sky for the first time 443 00:32:34,270 --> 00:32:38,650 Speaker 1: in weeks. Where have I gone? It was as if 444 00:32:38,710 --> 00:32:42,480 Speaker 1: a fog had cleared from David's head, and he could 445 00:32:42,580 --> 00:32:47,080 Speaker 1: finally see what he had gotten himself caught up in. 446 00:32:48,760 --> 00:32:50,740 Speaker 1: He placed his face in his hands. 447 00:32:55,040 --> 00:32:56,340 Speaker 2: Who have I become? 448 00:32:58,640 --> 00:33:00,680 Speaker 3: You have heard that it was said, You shall not 449 00:33:00,740 --> 00:33:03,780 Speaker 3: commit adultery. But I tell you that anyone who looks 450 00:33:03,860 --> 00:33:06,900 Speaker 3: at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her 451 00:33:07,080 --> 00:33:11,100 Speaker 3: in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, 452 00:33:11,540 --> 00:33:14,220 Speaker 3: gouge it out and throw it away. It is better 453 00:33:14,240 --> 00:33:16,230 Speaker 3: for you to lose one part of your body than 454 00:33:16,390 --> 00:33:20,250 Speaker 3: for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And 455 00:33:20,310 --> 00:33:22,790 Speaker 3: if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it 456 00:33:22,890 --> 00:33:25,540 Speaker 3: off and throw it away. It is better for you 457 00:33:25,600 --> 00:33:27,760 Speaker 3: to lose one part of your body than for your 458 00:33:27,820 --> 00:33:32,160 Speaker 3: whole body to go into hell. Jesus teaches that adultery 459 00:33:32,180 --> 00:33:35,400 Speaker 3: is not just a physical act, but begins in the 460 00:33:35,460 --> 00:33:40,830 Speaker 3: heart with lustful thoughts. He emphasizes the seriousness of dealing 461 00:33:40,890 --> 00:33:45,270 Speaker 3: with sin at its root, using hyperbolic language to convey 462 00:33:45,330 --> 00:33:48,290 Speaker 3: the drastic measures we should take to guard our hearts 463 00:33:48,570 --> 00:33:53,700 Speaker 3: against lust and adultery. His teaching underscores the importance of 464 00:33:53,880 --> 00:33:57,350 Speaker 3: inner purity. and the need to address sin before it 465 00:33:57,460 --> 00:34:02,510 Speaker 3: manifests in destructive actions. The story of David and Bathsheba 466 00:34:02,630 --> 00:34:07,170 Speaker 3: is a poignant illustration of how adultery begins with small 467 00:34:07,270 --> 00:34:13,589 Speaker 3: compromises and grows into something uncontrollable. David, a man after 468 00:34:13,640 --> 00:34:17,560 Speaker 3: God's own heart, allowed lust to take root in his heart, 469 00:34:18,200 --> 00:34:22,529 Speaker 3: leading to a series of tragic decisions. David's adultery with 470 00:34:22,590 --> 00:34:26,910 Speaker 3: Bathsheba did not begin with the act itself. First, he 471 00:34:27,010 --> 00:34:31,150 Speaker 3: shirked his responsibility to ride into battle with his men. Then, 472 00:34:31,530 --> 00:34:34,130 Speaker 3: he allowed his eyes to linger too long on a 473 00:34:34,170 --> 00:34:38,570 Speaker 3: woman that wasn't his wife. Then, he leveraged his power 474 00:34:38,630 --> 00:34:43,569 Speaker 3: to gain access to her. After that, everything snowballed and 475 00:34:43,640 --> 00:34:50,310 Speaker 3: devolved into chaos. Initial compromises lead to deceit, manipulation, and 476 00:34:50,469 --> 00:34:56,900 Speaker 3: ultimately for David, murder. Listen, friends, and listen closely. The 477 00:34:56,940 --> 00:34:59,620 Speaker 3: moment you let your guard down to a specific sin, 478 00:35:00,500 --> 00:35:05,020 Speaker 3: you've become more vulnerable than ever. There's a progression to 479 00:35:05,060 --> 00:35:09,219 Speaker 3: these sins, and we rarely see them coming. There's a 480 00:35:09,260 --> 00:35:13,840 Speaker 3: progression of adultery we must be aware of. Adultery begins 481 00:35:13,900 --> 00:35:18,000 Speaker 3: with small compromises in the heart. For David, it started 482 00:35:18,040 --> 00:35:21,120 Speaker 3: with a lingering gaze and a failure to turn away 483 00:35:21,180 --> 00:35:25,140 Speaker 3: from temptation. We must be vigilant about the thoughts and 484 00:35:25,180 --> 00:35:31,319 Speaker 3: desires we entertain. When given fuel, these small compromises grow 485 00:35:31,360 --> 00:35:36,460 Speaker 3: into something uncontrollable. David's lust led to an adulterous act, 486 00:35:37,140 --> 00:35:41,870 Speaker 3: which spiraled into deceit and murder. Unchecked sin in our 487 00:35:41,890 --> 00:35:46,900 Speaker 3: hearts can lead to actions that have devastating consequences. The 488 00:35:46,940 --> 00:35:51,640 Speaker 3: consequences of David's sin were severe. It led to personal guilt, 489 00:35:52,040 --> 00:35:55,960 Speaker 3: the death of an innocent man, and turmoil in his household. 490 00:35:57,340 --> 00:36:01,680 Speaker 3: Adultery and lust have far-reaching impacts on our lives and 491 00:36:01,700 --> 00:36:05,259 Speaker 3: the lives of others. That is why we must be 492 00:36:05,380 --> 00:36:11,220 Speaker 3: diligent in guarding our hearts. We begin with vigilance. Jesus' 493 00:36:11,260 --> 00:36:14,489 Speaker 3: teaching emphasizes the need for vigilance in guarding our hearts. 494 00:36:15,420 --> 00:36:19,299 Speaker 3: We must be proactive in avoiding situations and thoughts that 495 00:36:19,360 --> 00:36:23,910 Speaker 3: lead us into temptation. Then, we must seek out accountability. 496 00:36:24,989 --> 00:36:29,969 Speaker 3: Having accountability partners can help us stay on track. Confiding 497 00:36:29,989 --> 00:36:33,910 Speaker 3: with trusted friends or mentors about our struggles and seeking 498 00:36:33,950 --> 00:36:38,840 Speaker 3: their support can provide strength and encouragement. Third, we must 499 00:36:38,960 --> 00:36:44,239 Speaker 3: renew our minds. Regularly immersing ourselves in God's Word and 500 00:36:44,360 --> 00:36:47,710 Speaker 3: prayer helps to renew our mind and align our thoughts 501 00:36:47,810 --> 00:36:53,810 Speaker 3: with God's will. This spiritual discipline strengthens us against temptation. 502 00:36:54,550 --> 00:37:00,590 Speaker 3: Then we take drastic measures. Jesus' hyperbolic language about gouging 503 00:37:00,660 --> 00:37:03,440 Speaker 3: out an eye or cutting off a hand highlights the 504 00:37:03,480 --> 00:37:08,180 Speaker 3: importance of taking drastic measures to avoid sin. This might 505 00:37:08,239 --> 00:37:12,180 Speaker 3: mean setting boundaries on what we watch, read, or engage 506 00:37:12,239 --> 00:37:16,550 Speaker 3: with to protect our hearts. As we reflect on Jesus' 507 00:37:16,610 --> 00:37:21,430 Speaker 3: words in Matthew 5, verses 27-30 and the story of 508 00:37:21,570 --> 00:37:25,830 Speaker 3: David and Bathsheba, let us be reminded of the importance 509 00:37:25,890 --> 00:37:30,290 Speaker 3: of guarding our hearts against lust and adultery. May we 510 00:37:30,370 --> 00:37:34,279 Speaker 3: recognize that sin begins in the heart and take proactive 511 00:37:34,340 --> 00:37:38,239 Speaker 3: steps to maintain inner purity. Let us pray for the 512 00:37:38,300 --> 00:37:42,719 Speaker 3: strength to resist temptation, to seek accountability, to renew our 513 00:37:42,800 --> 00:37:47,490 Speaker 3: minds and and take the necessary measures to live in righteousness. 514 00:37:48,730 --> 00:37:49,989 Speaker 1: May we be true. 515 00:37:49,870 --> 00:37:54,350 Speaker 3: Citizens of heaven, reflecting the purity and holiness that Jesus 516 00:37:54,450 --> 00:37:58,529 Speaker 3: calls us to. In our next episode, we'll talk about 517 00:37:58,550 --> 00:38:01,640 Speaker 3: the importance of marriage by going back to the first marriage. 518 00:38:02,540 --> 00:38:04,860 Speaker 3: We'll be swept away in the Garden of Eden to 519 00:38:04,900 --> 00:38:10,399 Speaker 3: talk about divorce, intimacy, and how to cultivate love like a, well, 520 00:38:10,900 --> 00:38:11,500 Speaker 3: like a garden.