1 00:00:00,940 --> 00:00:03,220 Speaker 1: But I say to you that everyone who looks at 2 00:00:03,259 --> 00:00:07,370 Speaker 1: a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with 3 00:00:07,410 --> 00:00:15,430 Speaker 1: her in his heart. Matthew 5.28 Dear Lord, This command 4 00:00:15,610 --> 00:00:19,270 Speaker 1: challenges us to examine the purity of our thoughts and 5 00:00:19,300 --> 00:00:25,140 Speaker 1: the intentions behind our gaze. We confess that we often 6 00:00:25,239 --> 00:00:29,930 Speaker 1: fall short of this standard. in a world saturated with 7 00:00:29,990 --> 00:00:35,850 Speaker 1: temptations and images that provoke impure thoughts, we struggle to 8 00:00:35,890 --> 00:00:40,839 Speaker 1: keep our hearts and minds clean. Not just with matters 9 00:00:40,900 --> 00:00:46,200 Speaker 1: of lust, but with greed, covetousness, and jealousy as well. 10 00:00:48,140 --> 00:00:52,150 Speaker 1: We ask for your strength and your grace to guard 11 00:00:52,250 --> 00:00:56,610 Speaker 1: our eyes and our thoughts, to resist the lure of lust, 12 00:00:57,330 --> 00:01:03,050 Speaker 1: that seeks to entrap us. Purify our hearts and renew 13 00:01:03,250 --> 00:01:07,810 Speaker 1: our minds. Help us to see others not as objects, 14 00:01:07,950 --> 00:01:13,429 Speaker 1: but as precious beings made in your image, worthy of 15 00:01:13,510 --> 00:01:20,370 Speaker 1: respect and dignity. Create in us a steadfast spirit that 16 00:01:20,410 --> 00:01:25,590 Speaker 1: seeks to honor you in all our relationships. Teach us 17 00:01:25,630 --> 00:01:31,450 Speaker 1: to value true love and fidelity, reflecting the faithful love 18 00:01:31,870 --> 00:01:36,809 Speaker 1: Christ has for His Church. May we be committed to 19 00:01:36,930 --> 00:01:42,330 Speaker 1: nurturing purity in every aspect of our lives so that 20 00:01:42,390 --> 00:01:47,770 Speaker 1: we may stand before You blameless, our lives a testament 21 00:01:48,410 --> 00:01:54,250 Speaker 1: to Your transformative power. In the name of Jesus, who 22 00:01:54,310 --> 00:01:58,380 Speaker 1: grants us the victory over every sin We pray. 23 00:02:00,220 --> 00:02:00,500 Speaker 2: Amen. 24 00:02:02,440 --> 00:02:05,530 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. This is the 25 00:02:05,570 --> 00:02:13,190 Speaker 1: Jesus Podcast. Gospel stories reimagined with immersive storytelling and thoughtful reflection. 26 00:02:14,350 --> 00:02:17,560 Speaker 1: Stick around for another story inspired by the Sermon on 27 00:02:17,580 --> 00:02:21,900 Speaker 1: the Mount. If this podcast has blessed you, we'd love 28 00:02:21,940 --> 00:02:25,120 Speaker 1: it if you left a review. We want to hear 29 00:02:25,200 --> 00:02:31,850 Speaker 1: how the gospel works his transforming lives. Jesus lifted his 30 00:02:32,030 --> 00:02:35,950 Speaker 1: arms and pretended he was balancing a scale. He lifted 31 00:02:36,070 --> 00:02:37,450 Speaker 1: one arm up and said. 32 00:02:38,010 --> 00:02:40,390 Speaker 3: You have heard it said to those of old, You 33 00:02:40,410 --> 00:02:44,850 Speaker 3: shall not murder, and whoever murders will be liable to judgment. 34 00:02:45,570 --> 00:02:48,669 Speaker 3: But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his 35 00:02:48,750 --> 00:02:53,250 Speaker 3: brother will be liable to judgment. Whoever insults his brother 36 00:02:53,630 --> 00:02:57,489 Speaker 3: will be liable to the council, And whoever says, you fool, 37 00:02:57,990 --> 00:03:00,330 Speaker 3: will be liable to the hellfire. 38 00:03:00,990 --> 00:03:04,770 Speaker 1: Jesus raised the standard, piercing straight to the heart. 39 00:03:05,350 --> 00:03:07,290 Speaker 3: If you are worshiping in the house of the Lord 40 00:03:07,770 --> 00:03:10,690 Speaker 3: and remember there that your brother has something against you, 41 00:03:11,250 --> 00:03:15,340 Speaker 3: leave the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother. 42 00:03:16,040 --> 00:03:18,000 Speaker 4: Then come and worship. 43 00:03:18,620 --> 00:03:22,900 Speaker 1: Jesus lifted the other arm, continuing to explain the nature 44 00:03:23,020 --> 00:03:25,639 Speaker 1: of the heart and God's view of sin. 45 00:03:26,020 --> 00:03:29,190 Speaker 3: But I say to you, everyone who looks at a 46 00:03:29,230 --> 00:03:35,030 Speaker 3: woman with objectifying lust has already committed adultery in his heart. 47 00:03:35,510 --> 00:03:38,350 Speaker 1: The men in the crowd stirred, all of a sudden 48 00:03:38,430 --> 00:03:47,900 Speaker 1: feeling vulnerable, called out. Jesus lifted an earnest voice and said, If. 49 00:03:47,880 --> 00:03:50,500 Speaker 3: Your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. 50 00:03:51,180 --> 00:03:53,450 Speaker 3: It's better that you lose only one of your members 51 00:03:53,890 --> 00:03:58,020 Speaker 3: than your whole body. being thrown into hell. If your 52 00:03:58,040 --> 00:04:00,620 Speaker 3: right hand causes you to sin, cut it off. 53 00:04:01,240 --> 00:04:02,040 Speaker 4: Throw it away. 54 00:04:02,640 --> 00:04:04,800 Speaker 3: It's better to lose one of your members than for 55 00:04:04,820 --> 00:04:07,600 Speaker 3: your whole body to burn in hell. 56 00:04:09,760 --> 00:04:12,710 Speaker 5: The second you say, oh, well, I would never commit 57 00:04:12,750 --> 00:04:15,510 Speaker 5: that sin, is the moment you let your guard down 58 00:04:15,590 --> 00:04:19,029 Speaker 5: to it. You stop praying for resolve, and the enemy 59 00:04:19,170 --> 00:04:23,070 Speaker 5: creeps right in, unnoticed. Before you know it, you're committing 60 00:04:23,110 --> 00:04:26,630 Speaker 5: the very acts you said you'd never do This is 61 00:04:26,680 --> 00:04:31,300 Speaker 5: the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with Pray.com. Join us as 62 00:04:31,380 --> 00:04:34,360 Speaker 5: we continue our mini-series through the Sermon on the Mount. 63 00:04:35,240 --> 00:04:38,180 Speaker 5: We've been connecting biblical stories to the gospel message of 64 00:04:38,260 --> 00:04:41,820 Speaker 5: Jesus spoken in the Sermon on the Mount. Take a 65 00:04:41,839 --> 00:04:45,060 Speaker 5: moment today to follow the podcast and subscribe on whatever 66 00:04:45,140 --> 00:04:48,960 Speaker 5: platform you listen to. Doing so makes sure you never 67 00:04:49,000 --> 00:04:53,740 Speaker 5: miss an episode. We really appreciate you listening. Artfully crafting 68 00:04:53,779 --> 00:04:56,870 Speaker 5: these stories has been a joy. and we're looking forward 69 00:04:56,900 --> 00:05:00,590 Speaker 5: to making more. Today, we turn our focus to a 70 00:05:00,690 --> 00:05:03,930 Speaker 5: powerful teaching from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount found in 71 00:05:03,970 --> 00:05:10,310 Speaker 5: Matthew 5, verses 27-30. This passage addresses the deep issues 72 00:05:10,390 --> 00:05:13,969 Speaker 5: of lust and adultery, and we'll connect it to the 73 00:05:14,110 --> 00:05:19,349 Speaker 5: tragic story of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11. Together, 74 00:05:19,550 --> 00:05:23,630 Speaker 5: we'll explore how adultery begins with small compromises in the 75 00:05:23,690 --> 00:05:29,670 Speaker 5: heart and grows into something emphasizing the need to guard 76 00:05:29,770 --> 00:05:31,050 Speaker 5: our hearts diligently. 77 00:05:33,310 --> 00:05:35,890 Speaker 1: David lay on a small bed of cushions on the 78 00:05:35,910 --> 00:05:41,330 Speaker 1: balcony of his roof, soaking in the day's warmth. The 79 00:05:41,380 --> 00:05:45,219 Speaker 1: sun kissed his skin, and the slight coolness of the 80 00:05:45,260 --> 00:05:50,339 Speaker 1: breeze kept him from overheating. The king was half asleep, 81 00:05:51,240 --> 00:05:56,450 Speaker 1: enjoying a perfectly peaceful afternoon, resting his bones after a 82 00:05:56,490 --> 00:06:02,430 Speaker 1: long battle. After his conquest of the Syrians, David returned 83 00:06:02,529 --> 00:06:06,330 Speaker 1: home to rest and enjoy a break from the chaos 84 00:06:06,550 --> 00:06:11,210 Speaker 1: of war. However, the Ammonites were still a threat to Israel. 85 00:06:12,520 --> 00:06:17,400 Speaker 1: David sent his men on his behalf. Although his duty 86 00:06:17,440 --> 00:06:21,300 Speaker 1: as king was to be present in battle, David thought 87 00:06:21,360 --> 00:06:26,420 Speaker 1: he had earned a break. The king stretched his weary 88 00:06:26,500 --> 00:06:30,760 Speaker 1: body out on the pillows and yawned. This was the 89 00:06:30,810 --> 00:06:36,270 Speaker 1: first pause he had given himself since becoming king. David 90 00:06:36,350 --> 00:06:40,130 Speaker 1: lounged and sipped on a cup of wine, allowing lethargy 91 00:06:40,350 --> 00:06:44,229 Speaker 1: to set in. He stood to his feet and balanced 92 00:06:44,290 --> 00:06:48,190 Speaker 1: himself on the railing. He closed his eyes and drew 93 00:06:48,310 --> 00:06:53,979 Speaker 1: in the sweet spring air. His head was foggy. and 94 00:06:54,000 --> 00:06:58,839 Speaker 1: his mind was sluggish from napping. The king perused the 95 00:06:58,860 --> 00:07:03,370 Speaker 1: city below, sipping his cup and smiling at the passersby. 96 00:07:05,390 --> 00:07:10,050 Speaker 1: Another lethargic yawn exhaled from his mouth, and just as 97 00:07:10,110 --> 00:07:14,250 Speaker 1: he was about to retreat into his home, something caught 98 00:07:14,300 --> 00:07:19,140 Speaker 1: his eye. A woman was bathing in a tub on 99 00:07:19,180 --> 00:07:25,580 Speaker 1: her roof, enjoying the sun's warmth. David initially looked away, 100 00:07:26,720 --> 00:07:32,560 Speaker 1: then paused to do a double take. He leaned even 101 00:07:32,620 --> 00:07:38,240 Speaker 1: further over the railing and took in the view. She 102 00:07:38,300 --> 00:07:43,420 Speaker 1: was breathtakingly beautiful. She glistened from the sun reflecting on 103 00:07:43,440 --> 00:07:47,780 Speaker 1: the water, and David could see nearly every inch of 104 00:07:47,840 --> 00:07:48,780 Speaker 1: her stunning frame. 105 00:07:49,460 --> 00:07:50,460 Speaker 4: Breathtaking! 106 00:07:51,340 --> 00:07:57,940 Speaker 1: His mind was fogged, and Judge Chills crawled up David's back. 107 00:07:59,300 --> 00:08:02,450 Speaker 1: He felt the subtle seed of lust making a home 108 00:08:02,830 --> 00:08:07,690 Speaker 1: in his heart. Although David had his pick of women 109 00:08:07,930 --> 00:08:11,910 Speaker 1: and more wives than one man should have, he felt 110 00:08:12,000 --> 00:08:16,560 Speaker 1: drawn to her. Perhaps it was because she wasn't his, 111 00:08:16,580 --> 00:08:22,870 Speaker 1: and he wanted what he couldn't have. Maybe it was 112 00:08:22,930 --> 00:08:26,460 Speaker 1: because he felt he deserved a gift after being so faithful. 113 00:08:28,320 --> 00:08:33,160 Speaker 1: Whatever the thought was, it possessed David to near madness. 114 00:08:34,960 --> 00:08:38,590 Speaker 1: He grew anxious with desire and couldn't remove her from 115 00:08:38,620 --> 00:08:45,130 Speaker 1: his gaze. Every single movement of hers enraptured him. He 116 00:08:45,210 --> 00:08:48,150 Speaker 1: watched as the wet cloth rubbed against her smooth skin. 117 00:08:49,740 --> 00:08:52,880 Speaker 1: He gaped at her full lips as she splashed water 118 00:08:52,980 --> 00:08:57,760 Speaker 1: over her face. She finished bathing and wrapped herself up. 119 00:08:59,090 --> 00:09:03,750 Speaker 1: The play was over, but David was hoping for a 120 00:09:03,790 --> 00:09:04,429 Speaker 1: second act. 121 00:09:04,990 --> 00:09:07,450 Speaker 4: I must have her. She must be mine. 122 00:09:08,010 --> 00:09:10,510 Speaker 1: He turned back and beckoned his servant to come near. 123 00:09:11,490 --> 00:09:13,810 Speaker 1: He gestured to the home where the woman was. 124 00:09:14,270 --> 00:09:16,910 Speaker 4: Who lives in this house? Who was that woman I 125 00:09:16,970 --> 00:09:17,589 Speaker 4: saw on the roof? 126 00:09:18,260 --> 00:09:21,470 Speaker 6: The only one currently in the home is Bathsheba, the 127 00:09:21,500 --> 00:09:25,170 Speaker 6: wife of Uriah the Hittite, one of your mighty men. 128 00:09:26,330 --> 00:09:29,510 Speaker 6: He is away with Joab in battle, so she is alone. 129 00:09:29,929 --> 00:09:33,900 Speaker 1: David nodded and held back an excited smile. He was 130 00:09:33,980 --> 00:09:37,340 Speaker 1: silent momentarily, considering what he was. 131 00:09:37,280 --> 00:09:37,839 Speaker 4: About to do. 132 00:09:39,640 --> 00:09:44,140 Speaker 1: On the surface, it seemed like just one decision. However, 133 00:09:44,230 --> 00:09:48,030 Speaker 1: up until now, David had a pattern of recklessness in 134 00:09:48,070 --> 00:09:55,130 Speaker 1: his romantic relationships. He acquired many wives and concubines without 135 00:09:55,220 --> 00:09:59,679 Speaker 1: consideration of what it would do to his heart and theirs. 136 00:10:01,820 --> 00:10:06,739 Speaker 1: This one moment was the climax of a thousand small compromises. 137 00:10:07,420 --> 00:10:11,750 Speaker 1: Bring her to me, the servant said nothing. He simply 138 00:10:11,790 --> 00:10:17,390 Speaker 1: bowed his head and left. David stood up, straightened out 139 00:10:17,429 --> 00:10:21,570 Speaker 1: his royal robes, and went to his bedchambers to prepare. 140 00:10:23,040 --> 00:10:28,570 Speaker 1: The moon's silvery gleams descended in full brightness. David didn't 141 00:10:28,610 --> 00:10:31,990 Speaker 1: look up at the sky, as he often did. He 142 00:10:32,030 --> 00:10:34,970 Speaker 1: didn't want to look up, for then he would be 143 00:10:35,090 --> 00:10:38,760 Speaker 1: forced to think of his God, the author of his 144 00:10:38,840 --> 00:10:45,460 Speaker 1: faith and convictions. Instead, he settled his gaze upon the fireplace. 145 00:10:47,320 --> 00:10:50,609 Speaker 1: The intense heat radiated into the rest of the room. 146 00:10:52,160 --> 00:10:56,460 Speaker 1: David's lust burned like the heat of the flames. The 147 00:10:56,500 --> 00:11:01,840 Speaker 1: burning passion made him drunk. The truth is, he had 148 00:11:01,960 --> 00:11:05,300 Speaker 1: already made the decision when he allowed himself to gaze 149 00:11:05,570 --> 00:11:11,150 Speaker 1: at Bathsheba. The spirit of adultery had already coiled around 150 00:11:11,230 --> 00:11:16,890 Speaker 1: his heart and mind, squeezing the conviction out of him. 151 00:11:18,690 --> 00:11:24,790 Speaker 1: It made the next decision all too easy. The large 152 00:11:24,870 --> 00:11:29,890 Speaker 1: double door built of cedar and iron opened slowly. The 153 00:11:29,929 --> 00:11:34,020 Speaker 1: light emanating from the flames illuminated the room just enough 154 00:11:34,059 --> 00:11:37,800 Speaker 1: for him to see her. She wore a tight linen 155 00:11:37,840 --> 00:11:43,450 Speaker 1: dress that rested delicately over her waist. Her brown wavy 156 00:11:43,510 --> 00:11:47,670 Speaker 1: hair lay over her shoulders, barely hidden by her head covering. 157 00:11:49,190 --> 00:11:54,070 Speaker 1: She walked in nervously. He watched every move of her 158 00:11:54,130 --> 00:11:58,520 Speaker 1: hips as she walked forward. They swayed back and forth 159 00:11:58,860 --> 00:12:04,760 Speaker 1: like a pendulum, keeping David's full attention. There was silence 160 00:12:04,980 --> 00:12:07,829 Speaker 1: for a short while as they stood and stared at 161 00:12:07,910 --> 00:12:12,770 Speaker 1: one another. Bathsheba was terrified, but couldn't show it. 162 00:12:13,890 --> 00:12:15,189 Speaker 4: You summoned me, Lord? 163 00:12:15,870 --> 00:12:20,280 Speaker 1: She knew David's intentions. Why else would she be brought 164 00:12:20,320 --> 00:12:26,170 Speaker 1: to his chambers alone She came to him, but the 165 00:12:26,250 --> 00:12:32,800 Speaker 1: choice was an illusion. She couldn't refuse the king. David 166 00:12:32,860 --> 00:12:37,400 Speaker 1: was blinded by lust. It hindered his ability to hear 167 00:12:37,460 --> 00:12:41,710 Speaker 1: the fear in her voice. It kept him from seeing 168 00:12:41,790 --> 00:12:47,190 Speaker 1: the shift in her eyes. The white noise of self-indulgence 169 00:12:47,790 --> 00:12:52,490 Speaker 1: drowned out the voice of his conscience. He stepped closer, 170 00:12:53,610 --> 00:12:59,510 Speaker 1: and Bathsheba froze. She looked up at him. He was 171 00:12:59,600 --> 00:13:06,240 Speaker 1: handsome and with kind eyes. He was impressive, but most 172 00:13:06,280 --> 00:13:11,000 Speaker 1: of her felt shame, fear, and helplessness. 173 00:13:11,760 --> 00:13:12,780 Speaker 4: I shouldn't be here. 174 00:13:13,460 --> 00:13:16,540 Speaker 1: David took his hand and gently placed it on her chin, 175 00:13:17,500 --> 00:13:22,140 Speaker 1: directing her face back at his. David leaned in and 176 00:13:22,200 --> 00:13:27,150 Speaker 1: kissed her as the flickering flame continued to burn. She 177 00:13:27,210 --> 00:13:32,450 Speaker 1: kissed him in return. And thus began the night of sin. 178 00:13:34,050 --> 00:13:38,440 Speaker 1: David wrapped his arms around Bathsheba. In the heat of passion, 179 00:13:38,460 --> 00:13:42,300 Speaker 1: he didn't think of his family. In the forbidden pleasure, 180 00:13:42,600 --> 00:13:48,310 Speaker 1: he didn't think of Uriah. David enjoyed every second of 181 00:13:48,390 --> 00:13:55,410 Speaker 1: his sin. He felt invincible, untouchable, and immune to the 182 00:13:55,470 --> 00:14:03,890 Speaker 1: effects of his actions. He was gravely mistaken. Weeks passed, 183 00:14:04,620 --> 00:14:07,000 Speaker 1: and David did his best to remove the night of 184 00:14:07,080 --> 00:14:11,840 Speaker 1: sin from his mind. But he couldn't. He thought about 185 00:14:11,900 --> 00:14:17,179 Speaker 1: Bathsheba more and more as the days rolled on. It 186 00:14:17,220 --> 00:14:21,350 Speaker 1: was not love that David felt. No, he simply loved 187 00:14:21,430 --> 00:14:25,530 Speaker 1: the pleasure she brought him. It was a low point 188 00:14:26,010 --> 00:14:32,030 Speaker 1: for God's anointed king. After his midnight escapade with Bathsheba, 189 00:14:32,990 --> 00:14:39,230 Speaker 1: David continued to shirk his responsibilities. David's servant entered the hall. 190 00:14:40,490 --> 00:14:44,070 Speaker 1: He twiddled his thumbs and looked away, considering what to 191 00:14:44,130 --> 00:14:44,570 Speaker 1: say next. 192 00:14:45,590 --> 00:14:48,630 Speaker 6: My lord, I have been told Bathsheba desires to speak 193 00:14:48,670 --> 00:14:52,250 Speaker 6: with you. She has requested that she come immediately. 194 00:14:53,030 --> 00:14:57,860 Speaker 4: Excellent news. Then bring her to me. I shall prepare. 195 00:14:58,520 --> 00:15:01,120 Speaker 4: And as always, tell no one of this. 196 00:15:01,720 --> 00:15:05,560 Speaker 1: The servant knew what David didn't. He sent for her. 197 00:15:06,440 --> 00:15:08,720 Speaker 1: And in the secrecy of night, the young woman was 198 00:15:08,800 --> 00:15:13,580 Speaker 1: brought into his chambers. David ran his hand through her 199 00:15:13,640 --> 00:15:14,860 Speaker 1: hair and smiled. 200 00:15:15,880 --> 00:15:17,900 Speaker 4: You look radiant. 201 00:15:18,600 --> 00:15:22,550 Speaker 1: David reached for her. She pulled away and looked at 202 00:15:22,600 --> 00:15:24,010 Speaker 1: him with fearful eyes. 203 00:15:24,770 --> 00:15:30,600 Speaker 4: What's wrong? My king, I am pregnant. 204 00:15:31,180 --> 00:15:35,920 Speaker 1: Tears welled up in her eyes and she began to weep. 205 00:15:37,760 --> 00:15:42,920 Speaker 1: David stepped back and leaned against the table. His heart 206 00:15:42,960 --> 00:15:46,760 Speaker 1: began to pound heavily and for the first time in 207 00:15:46,780 --> 00:15:50,340 Speaker 1: weeks he felt completely sober. 208 00:15:51,660 --> 00:15:55,650 Speaker 4: Are you sure? Could it be Uriah's? Of course it's yours. 209 00:15:56,450 --> 00:15:59,670 Speaker 3: My husband has been fighting against the Ammonites on your behalf. 210 00:16:00,290 --> 00:16:01,530 Speaker 4: I haven't seen him in months. 211 00:16:01,970 --> 00:16:07,120 Speaker 1: The words stung David's heart. He had neglected his responsibilities 212 00:16:07,300 --> 00:16:11,820 Speaker 1: as king. He leveraged his status to take advantage of her. 213 00:16:13,220 --> 00:16:16,280 Speaker 1: Now would usually be the time when David leaned on 214 00:16:16,320 --> 00:16:21,180 Speaker 1: the wisdom of God. However... He had already created a 215 00:16:21,220 --> 00:16:25,340 Speaker 1: habit of listening to his voice instead of the Lord's. 216 00:16:26,960 --> 00:16:31,750 Speaker 1: He ignored his instinct to pray and frantically reassured Bathsheba 217 00:16:32,610 --> 00:16:34,230 Speaker 1: that he would handle everything. 218 00:16:34,540 --> 00:16:37,270 Speaker 4: Do not worry, my dear. I shall make this right. 219 00:16:37,990 --> 00:16:41,430 Speaker 4: You will not be cast aside. All will be well again. 220 00:16:42,250 --> 00:16:45,770 Speaker 1: He sent her back home to rest. The king sat 221 00:16:45,810 --> 00:16:48,920 Speaker 1: down at his table and pulled at his hair. He 222 00:16:48,960 --> 00:16:50,280 Speaker 1: called his servant. 223 00:16:49,940 --> 00:16:53,500 Speaker 4: And said, Send word to Job. I need Uriah to 224 00:16:53,540 --> 00:16:55,820 Speaker 4: be taken from battle and return to me. 225 00:16:56,420 --> 00:16:59,060 Speaker 1: The servant bowed his head and did as he was told. 226 00:17:00,620 --> 00:17:04,990 Speaker 1: David pressed his head against the table and groaned. What 227 00:17:05,010 --> 00:17:09,070 Speaker 1: a mess I've made. Lust is a trapdoor to all 228 00:17:09,230 --> 00:17:14,669 Speaker 1: other sorts of sins and tragedies. The king sat on 229 00:17:14,710 --> 00:17:18,530 Speaker 1: his throne, listening to the elders give reports on their tribes. 230 00:17:19,800 --> 00:17:23,629 Speaker 1: He took note of the small disputes, glaring needs, and 231 00:17:23,690 --> 00:17:29,129 Speaker 1: successful growth. David was always adept at listening to the 232 00:17:29,230 --> 00:17:35,020 Speaker 1: elders and considering their wisdom regarding the kingdom. It was 233 00:17:35,080 --> 00:17:37,080 Speaker 1: a trait that he had hoped to pass down to 234 00:17:37,140 --> 00:17:42,740 Speaker 1: his son Absalom, heir to the throne. Yet today, David's 235 00:17:42,800 --> 00:17:47,570 Speaker 1: mind was elsewhere. He was thinking about this new child 236 00:17:47,980 --> 00:17:54,560 Speaker 1: in Bathsheba's womb. He was anxious and nervously awaited Uriah's arrival. 237 00:17:56,359 --> 00:18:00,520 Speaker 1: After the elders departed, the doors opened and the messenger 238 00:18:00,580 --> 00:18:05,450 Speaker 1: walked in with Uriah. His hair was dirty and soaked. 239 00:18:06,570 --> 00:18:12,169 Speaker 1: His armor was stained red and caked with mud. David's 240 00:18:12,210 --> 00:18:17,110 Speaker 1: heart beat profoundly at the sight of him. Uriah was 241 00:18:17,170 --> 00:18:21,409 Speaker 1: a loyal friend, one of his mighty men. who followed 242 00:18:21,470 --> 00:18:26,149 Speaker 1: him in the wilderness. Yet the desire to cover up 243 00:18:26,210 --> 00:18:31,520 Speaker 1: his sin was more significant than his conviction. And it 244 00:18:31,560 --> 00:18:34,699 Speaker 1: took David no time to begin his lies. 245 00:18:35,380 --> 00:18:39,199 Speaker 4: Uriah, I'm glad you've come. You must be weary from 246 00:18:39,220 --> 00:18:44,170 Speaker 4: your travels. Go, wash yourself, greet your wife. We should 247 00:18:44,210 --> 00:18:46,930 Speaker 4: talk about the battle when you've bathed and had a 248 00:18:46,970 --> 00:18:47,770 Speaker 4: proper embrace. 249 00:18:48,470 --> 00:18:51,320 Speaker 5: With all due respect, my king, I want to update 250 00:18:51,359 --> 00:18:55,440 Speaker 5: you on the battle and request reinforcements. Then I would 251 00:18:55,720 --> 00:18:58,630 Speaker 5: like to return to the men. They need me. 252 00:18:59,350 --> 00:19:04,430 Speaker 1: David winced at Uriah's noble heart. Pangs of conviction began 253 00:19:04,470 --> 00:19:09,040 Speaker 1: to bubble up, but he ignored them. He wouldn't admit 254 00:19:09,080 --> 00:19:12,980 Speaker 1: his fault. He needed to continue manipulating. 255 00:19:13,640 --> 00:19:17,360 Speaker 4: I admire your spirit. However, I have much to do 256 00:19:17,440 --> 00:19:21,830 Speaker 4: before the day is over. Let us convene tomorrow. Go home, 257 00:19:22,520 --> 00:19:25,600 Speaker 4: enjoy a warm bed with your wife, and we shall 258 00:19:25,619 --> 00:19:29,180 Speaker 4: speak at daybreak. Uriah didn't do what he was told. 259 00:19:30,100 --> 00:19:33,460 Speaker 4: He waited outside the king's house and rested his head 260 00:19:33,580 --> 00:19:34,879 Speaker 4: against the stone walls. 261 00:19:36,290 --> 00:19:40,090 Speaker 1: He closed his eyes and breathed in the spring air. 262 00:19:41,830 --> 00:19:46,560 Speaker 1: Uriah's weary bones relaxed outside, and he fell asleep near 263 00:19:46,600 --> 00:19:51,909 Speaker 1: the steps. David was up all night. anxiously pacing back 264 00:19:52,030 --> 00:19:57,020 Speaker 1: and forth near the fire. He would be more comfortable 265 00:19:57,080 --> 00:20:03,139 Speaker 1: knowing Uriah was with Bathsheba. In all the anxiety and waiting, 266 00:20:04,200 --> 00:20:08,159 Speaker 1: it didn't occur to him to seek the Lord. The 267 00:20:08,240 --> 00:20:13,629 Speaker 1: shame in his heart kept him from approaching God. Instead 268 00:20:13,670 --> 00:20:16,369 Speaker 1: of confessing and bringing his sin to the altar of 269 00:20:16,410 --> 00:20:21,090 Speaker 1: the Lord, he buried his shame and sought to cover 270 00:20:21,210 --> 00:20:25,740 Speaker 1: up his sin. After a sleepless night in his room, 271 00:20:26,460 --> 00:20:31,159 Speaker 1: David rose at sunrise to walk in the garden. To 272 00:20:31,200 --> 00:20:35,980 Speaker 1: David's dismay, it was Uriah sleeping on the floor. 273 00:20:36,680 --> 00:20:37,160 Speaker 3: Uriah! 274 00:20:37,660 --> 00:20:40,260 Speaker 4: What are you doing here? Why haven't you gone home 275 00:20:40,320 --> 00:20:41,010 Speaker 4: to Bathsheba? 276 00:20:41,680 --> 00:20:45,870 Speaker 1: Uriah stood at attention. He was shorter than David, yet 277 00:20:45,970 --> 00:20:48,730 Speaker 1: somehow seemed a hundred feet taller. 278 00:20:49,310 --> 00:20:52,469 Speaker 5: The Ark of Covenant dwells in a tent. Joab and 279 00:20:52,490 --> 00:20:55,320 Speaker 5: the others are camping in the mud with arrows fired 280 00:20:55,380 --> 00:20:58,940 Speaker 5: at them. For me to eat, drink, and lie with 281 00:20:59,000 --> 00:21:02,840 Speaker 5: my wife would be a disgrace. How could I live 282 00:21:02,880 --> 00:21:05,920 Speaker 5: with myself knowing that they are cold and vulnerable while 283 00:21:06,100 --> 00:21:07,160 Speaker 5: I am warm and full? 284 00:21:08,010 --> 00:21:12,689 Speaker 1: David was growing irritated with Uriah's righteousness. It vexed him 285 00:21:12,930 --> 00:21:16,230 Speaker 1: to be in the presence of someone so devoted. It 286 00:21:16,310 --> 00:21:19,129 Speaker 1: made his shortcomings all the more real. 287 00:21:20,100 --> 00:21:23,720 Speaker 4: What a blessing to have you as a brother-in-arms, Uriah. Come, 288 00:21:24,359 --> 00:21:27,100 Speaker 4: let us eat and discuss the war. You shall stay 289 00:21:27,140 --> 00:21:29,820 Speaker 4: with me today, and I shall send you back tomorrow. 290 00:21:30,480 --> 00:21:33,180 Speaker 1: The two discussed the battle, the state of the men, 291 00:21:33,800 --> 00:21:38,159 Speaker 1: and the need to press forward. As the day drew on, 292 00:21:38,300 --> 00:21:43,240 Speaker 1: David brought meats, cheeses, and wine. He told the servants 293 00:21:43,280 --> 00:21:47,450 Speaker 1: to always keep Uriah's cup full. To the best of 294 00:21:47,530 --> 00:21:52,790 Speaker 1: David's ability, he tried to get the man drunk. Uriah 295 00:21:52,869 --> 00:21:53,850 Speaker 1: continued to drink. 296 00:21:54,690 --> 00:22:01,060 Speaker 4: You must miss your wife dearly, Uriah. She is very beautiful. Oh, yes. 297 00:22:02,080 --> 00:22:07,310 Speaker 5: She is the love of my life. A cool spring 298 00:22:07,369 --> 00:22:09,369 Speaker 5: in a desolate desert. 299 00:22:10,450 --> 00:22:13,810 Speaker 1: His poetic description of his wife did not help David 300 00:22:14,090 --> 00:22:14,710 Speaker 1: with his guilt. 301 00:22:15,590 --> 00:22:21,490 Speaker 4: Go home, Uriah. Embrace her as her husband. You're no 302 00:22:21,600 --> 00:22:23,440 Speaker 4: doubt anxious to bed her again. 303 00:22:23,460 --> 00:22:30,940 Speaker 5: I will not. She's a delicacy. If I bed her 304 00:22:30,960 --> 00:22:33,220 Speaker 5: with my comrades lying in the dirt, what kind of 305 00:22:33,260 --> 00:22:37,550 Speaker 5: man am I? Why should I bathe in gold while 306 00:22:37,590 --> 00:22:39,090 Speaker 5: they bathe in filth? 307 00:22:40,290 --> 00:22:45,429 Speaker 2: No, I'll sleep here and then leave in the morning. 308 00:22:46,090 --> 00:22:49,530 Speaker 1: Uriah stumbled up onto his feet, knocking over his cup 309 00:22:49,670 --> 00:22:56,230 Speaker 1: in the process. He steadied himself and focused. After composing himself, 310 00:22:56,350 --> 00:23:00,230 Speaker 1: he waddled to a nearby lounging area and fell face 311 00:23:00,350 --> 00:23:05,469 Speaker 1: first into the cushions. David tried shaking him awake. but 312 00:23:05,510 --> 00:23:10,090 Speaker 1: the man was fast asleep. The king shook in frustration. 313 00:23:11,330 --> 00:23:14,360 Speaker 1: There would be no chance now of Uriah sleeping with 314 00:23:14,400 --> 00:23:21,300 Speaker 1: his wife. David found himself at a crossroads. He could 315 00:23:21,340 --> 00:23:26,100 Speaker 1: either give up on the charade and confess, or continue 316 00:23:26,119 --> 00:23:29,230 Speaker 1: to get tangled in the web of lies he had spun. 317 00:23:30,830 --> 00:23:35,240 Speaker 1: David clenched his fists and tensed his whole body. He 318 00:23:35,280 --> 00:23:40,440 Speaker 1: had so much rage boiling up in him. Lust gave 319 00:23:40,500 --> 00:23:46,310 Speaker 1: way to compromise. Compromise gave way to corruption. Corruption gave 320 00:23:46,410 --> 00:23:47,410 Speaker 1: way to rage. 321 00:23:48,010 --> 00:23:50,850 Speaker 4: What am I going to do? He's ruined everything. 322 00:23:51,290 --> 00:23:55,139 Speaker 1: David was unable to see that Uriah had done nothing wrong. 323 00:23:56,020 --> 00:23:58,899 Speaker 1: It was he who had gotten himself into this situation. 324 00:24:00,340 --> 00:24:03,220 Speaker 1: He paused his clamoring for a moment and drew a 325 00:24:03,260 --> 00:24:07,820 Speaker 1: deep breath. He closed his eyes and thought about his options. 326 00:24:08,940 --> 00:24:14,380 Speaker 1: Then an idea came to him. In all his years, 327 00:24:14,840 --> 00:24:21,190 Speaker 1: he had never considered something so heinous and sinful. Yet 328 00:24:21,250 --> 00:24:25,530 Speaker 1: he had already trained his mind to ignore the voice 329 00:24:25,570 --> 00:24:32,130 Speaker 1: of God. Without a second thought, David re-entered his home. 330 00:24:33,020 --> 00:24:35,100 Speaker 1: and began to write a message to Joab. 331 00:24:35,740 --> 00:24:38,850 Speaker 4: Job, it has come to my attention that the front 332 00:24:38,900 --> 00:24:43,290 Speaker 4: lines require more soldiers. After Uriah's visit, I have decided 333 00:24:43,310 --> 00:24:47,350 Speaker 4: to send you reinforcements. However, I am also requesting something 334 00:24:47,430 --> 00:24:50,929 Speaker 4: from you. It is a matter of great importance and 335 00:24:50,950 --> 00:24:54,100 Speaker 4: will require your secrecy as my commander and right hand. 336 00:24:54,780 --> 00:24:58,380 Speaker 4: You must set Uriah at the forefront of the harshest 337 00:24:58,420 --> 00:25:02,050 Speaker 4: parts of the battlefield. When he marches in, Order the 338 00:25:02,170 --> 00:25:06,389 Speaker 4: other soldiers to delay before following him. I need Uriah 339 00:25:06,490 --> 00:25:10,830 Speaker 4: to fall on the battlefield. Considering my forgiveness of your 340 00:25:10,890 --> 00:25:13,859 Speaker 4: crimes against Abner, I trust that you will obey me 341 00:25:13,900 --> 00:25:16,420 Speaker 4: without question. King David. 342 00:25:17,260 --> 00:25:20,280 Speaker 1: David sealed the letter with his royal emblem and had 343 00:25:20,320 --> 00:25:25,240 Speaker 1: his messenger leave immediately for Joab. He sat back in 344 00:25:25,280 --> 00:25:30,180 Speaker 1: his seat, contemplating what he had just done. he had 345 00:25:30,270 --> 00:25:36,010 Speaker 1: set in motion something that could not be undone. Tomorrow, 346 00:25:37,010 --> 00:25:42,090 Speaker 1: Uriah would leave to fight, and he would never return. 347 00:25:43,810 --> 00:25:50,889 Speaker 1: Nothing would ever be the same. Weeks passed, and David 348 00:25:50,910 --> 00:25:55,030 Speaker 1: arose before the sunrise. He rolled out of bed and 349 00:25:55,109 --> 00:25:58,850 Speaker 1: looked at his new bride beside him. He had married 350 00:25:58,930 --> 00:26:04,370 Speaker 1: Bathsheba after Uriah's death. The anxiety of covering up their 351 00:26:04,430 --> 00:26:10,310 Speaker 1: affair had left them exhausted. David had a disquieted soul, 352 00:26:11,290 --> 00:26:16,570 Speaker 1: but he didn't know it. The radical self-reflection he once 353 00:26:16,630 --> 00:26:23,280 Speaker 1: had was gone. His conscience was like an unsharpened blade, 354 00:26:23,820 --> 00:26:29,670 Speaker 1: rusty and dull. He had spent so much time quieting 355 00:26:29,790 --> 00:26:32,950 Speaker 1: the voice of God's spirit within him that it was 356 00:26:33,050 --> 00:26:39,159 Speaker 1: nearly impossible for him to feel guilty anymore. He wrapped 357 00:26:39,180 --> 00:26:42,060 Speaker 1: himself in his royal robes and left the house to 358 00:26:42,119 --> 00:26:46,740 Speaker 1: stroll among the gardens. The mild spring air was slowly 359 00:26:46,800 --> 00:26:50,540 Speaker 1: giving way to the heat of summer. He walked the 360 00:26:50,580 --> 00:26:56,500 Speaker 1: gardens humming an old tune and listening to the birds. Then, 361 00:26:56,920 --> 00:27:02,760 Speaker 1: almost out of nowhere, Nathan, the prophet, appeared. The king gasped, 362 00:27:03,640 --> 00:27:05,500 Speaker 1: then let out a sigh of relief. 363 00:27:06,680 --> 00:27:10,119 Speaker 4: Nathan, you startled me. It was great to see you 364 00:27:10,180 --> 00:27:12,900 Speaker 4: at the wedding. Bathsheba and I were pleased to have 365 00:27:12,920 --> 00:27:13,359 Speaker 4: you there. 366 00:27:14,280 --> 00:27:18,720 Speaker 5: I wouldn't have missed it, my son. However, I wish 367 00:27:18,840 --> 00:27:23,639 Speaker 5: I could carry on in the celebration, but alas, I cannot. What? 368 00:27:24,810 --> 00:27:26,570 Speaker 5: I have heard disturbing news. 369 00:27:27,369 --> 00:27:28,170 Speaker 4: What troubles you? 370 00:27:28,630 --> 00:27:31,430 Speaker 1: The old man gestured for the king to sit down. 371 00:27:32,750 --> 00:27:36,500 Speaker 1: The two sat beside one another, soaking in the new 372 00:27:36,600 --> 00:27:40,520 Speaker 1: rays of the morning. Nathan sighed and said. 373 00:27:41,720 --> 00:27:46,180 Speaker 5: Ah, I have heard a report, my king, and I 374 00:27:46,220 --> 00:27:49,670 Speaker 5: would very much like your thoughts on the matter, for 375 00:27:49,710 --> 00:27:52,869 Speaker 5: you have a heart that seeks after justice. 376 00:27:53,590 --> 00:27:56,570 Speaker 4: I will do what I can, Nathan. Tell me what happened. 377 00:27:57,170 --> 00:28:00,699 Speaker 1: Nathan nodded and plucked a flower from the garden. He 378 00:28:00,740 --> 00:28:04,879 Speaker 1: twiddled it between his fingers and began to tell a story. 379 00:28:05,920 --> 00:28:08,920 Speaker 5: There were two men who lived in this same village. 380 00:28:09,600 --> 00:28:12,640 Speaker 5: One of them was very rich and the other was 381 00:28:13,100 --> 00:28:17,550 Speaker 5: very poor. The rich man had many flocks of sheep, 382 00:28:17,640 --> 00:28:22,429 Speaker 5: goats and several herd of oxen. He was abundantly blessed. 383 00:28:23,350 --> 00:28:28,389 Speaker 5: But the poor man had nothing but one single little lamb. 384 00:28:29,470 --> 00:28:31,980 Speaker 5: He had bought this lamb with money he had saved 385 00:28:32,020 --> 00:28:36,139 Speaker 5: for quite some time. He nursed the lamb, bathed it, 386 00:28:36,960 --> 00:28:40,380 Speaker 5: nurtured it. The little lamb would even sleep with his 387 00:28:40,540 --> 00:28:44,980 Speaker 5: children at night. The lamb was like a daughter to 388 00:28:45,020 --> 00:28:46,120 Speaker 5: this poor man. 389 00:28:46,820 --> 00:28:50,920 Speaker 1: Nathan smiled and looked at David. The king enjoyed the 390 00:28:50,960 --> 00:28:55,720 Speaker 1: story thus far. And Nathan knew he had his attention. 391 00:28:56,260 --> 00:29:01,540 Speaker 5: However, something disturbing happened to that poor man. One day, 392 00:29:01,560 --> 00:29:05,350 Speaker 5: a traveler came to visit the rich man. Now, the 393 00:29:05,380 --> 00:29:08,530 Speaker 5: rich man wanted to feed his guest, but he didn't 394 00:29:08,570 --> 00:29:11,630 Speaker 5: want to prepare any of his own animals. So, in 395 00:29:11,670 --> 00:29:15,230 Speaker 5: the middle of the night, the rich man went into 396 00:29:15,270 --> 00:29:20,650 Speaker 5: the poor man's home and stole the little lamb. He 397 00:29:20,710 --> 00:29:25,130 Speaker 5: killed it. I had had to feed his caste, and 398 00:29:25,150 --> 00:29:28,030 Speaker 5: the poor man was left with nothing. What? 399 00:29:28,810 --> 00:29:33,060 Speaker 4: Who is this man? As the Lord lives, the man 400 00:29:33,120 --> 00:29:37,200 Speaker 4: who has done this deserves to die. I will restore 401 00:29:37,260 --> 00:29:41,280 Speaker 4: the lamb fourfold to the poor man. What sort of 402 00:29:41,460 --> 00:29:43,820 Speaker 4: egomaniacal monster would do such a thing? 403 00:29:43,840 --> 00:29:47,940 Speaker 1: Nathan stood to his feet and held out a finger 404 00:29:48,140 --> 00:29:52,820 Speaker 1: to the king. His eyes were filled with righteous indignation. 405 00:29:53,900 --> 00:29:57,570 Speaker 1: The old prophet boomed his voice downward toward the king. 406 00:29:58,420 --> 00:30:01,440 Speaker 2: You are that man, King David. 407 00:30:02,100 --> 00:30:06,680 Speaker 1: Nathan's voice carried and echoed across the garden, sending chills 408 00:30:06,940 --> 00:30:08,020 Speaker 1: down David's spine. 409 00:30:09,820 --> 00:30:10,540 Speaker 4: What do you mean? 410 00:30:11,260 --> 00:30:14,260 Speaker 7: Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel and the 411 00:30:14,340 --> 00:30:18,530 Speaker 7: God of justice. I anointed you king over the nation 412 00:30:18,900 --> 00:30:21,870 Speaker 7: and I delivered you from the wrath of Saul. I 413 00:30:21,910 --> 00:30:26,090 Speaker 7: gave you a home, wives and the nation. And if 414 00:30:26,430 --> 00:30:29,870 Speaker 7: all that were not enough, I've also added victories and 415 00:30:29,990 --> 00:30:34,750 Speaker 7: conquests to you. Why then have you despised my word 416 00:30:35,090 --> 00:30:38,870 Speaker 7: and done what is evil? You have struck down Uriah 417 00:30:38,890 --> 00:30:42,670 Speaker 7: the Hittite, a child of Israel, and taken his wife. 418 00:30:43,630 --> 00:30:46,970 Speaker 7: You have everything you could have ever wanted, yet you 419 00:30:47,020 --> 00:30:50,640 Speaker 7: stole from a man whose only treasure was his wife. 420 00:30:51,420 --> 00:30:55,719 Speaker 1: David was shaken to his core. Nathan spoke with the 421 00:30:55,800 --> 00:31:00,920 Speaker 1: authority of God. He could feel the Lord's anger bubbling 422 00:31:01,240 --> 00:31:01,760 Speaker 1: all over. 423 00:31:02,420 --> 00:31:07,070 Speaker 2: Hear the word of the Lord, giant slayer. Behold, the 424 00:31:07,150 --> 00:31:10,230 Speaker 2: sword shall never depart from your house because of the 425 00:31:10,330 --> 00:31:15,730 Speaker 2: violence you enacted against Uriah. Violence will plague your household 426 00:31:16,270 --> 00:31:19,670 Speaker 2: and strife will come upon you. I will raise up 427 00:31:19,910 --> 00:31:23,540 Speaker 2: evil against you out of your own home. Your wives 428 00:31:23,580 --> 00:31:26,000 Speaker 2: will scorn you and take on other lovers, and they 429 00:31:26,020 --> 00:31:29,420 Speaker 2: will do so publicly and in the sun. For you 430 00:31:29,460 --> 00:31:33,970 Speaker 2: did it secretly, but I will punish you before all Israel. 431 00:31:34,490 --> 00:31:38,390 Speaker 1: David fell to his knees. He wept at the feet 432 00:31:38,430 --> 00:31:38,930 Speaker 1: of Nathan. 433 00:31:40,130 --> 00:31:43,610 Speaker 4: I have sinned, Lord. I have no excuse. 434 00:31:44,390 --> 00:31:48,370 Speaker 1: Nathan knelt and touched David on the shoulder. He spoke 435 00:31:48,430 --> 00:31:50,580 Speaker 1: in a gentle voice, saying.... 436 00:31:52,100 --> 00:31:56,400 Speaker 5: The Lord will forgive you, my king. You will not die, 437 00:31:56,860 --> 00:32:02,600 Speaker 5: and your kingdom shall remain. Nevertheless, because of all the 438 00:32:02,660 --> 00:32:06,459 Speaker 5: strife and chaos this has caused, the child who was 439 00:32:06,520 --> 00:32:09,720 Speaker 5: born to you out of sin shall die. 440 00:32:10,400 --> 00:32:14,330 Speaker 1: David darted his eyes up to Nathan. He shook his 441 00:32:14,380 --> 00:32:18,790 Speaker 1: head in disbelief. But Nathan had nothing left to say. 442 00:32:20,580 --> 00:32:25,460 Speaker 1: He rose and returned to his house, leaving David in 443 00:32:25,540 --> 00:32:28,040 Speaker 1: emotional and spiritual disarray. 444 00:32:28,840 --> 00:32:29,640 Speaker 4: What have I done? 445 00:32:29,660 --> 00:32:33,880 Speaker 1: David looked up at the sky for the first time 446 00:32:34,260 --> 00:32:34,820 Speaker 1: in weeks. 447 00:32:36,240 --> 00:32:37,300 Speaker 4: Where have I gone? 448 00:32:37,320 --> 00:32:41,080 Speaker 1: It was as if a fog had cleared from David's head, 449 00:32:42,080 --> 00:32:46,140 Speaker 1: and he could finally see what he had gotten himself 450 00:32:46,340 --> 00:32:51,120 Speaker 1: caught up in. He placed his face in his hands. 451 00:32:52,760 --> 00:32:56,320 Speaker 4: And wept. Who have I become? 452 00:32:58,640 --> 00:33:00,680 Speaker 5: You have heard that it was said, You shall not 453 00:33:00,720 --> 00:33:03,790 Speaker 5: commit adultery. But I tell you that anyone who looks 454 00:33:03,850 --> 00:33:06,910 Speaker 5: at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her 455 00:33:07,090 --> 00:33:11,090 Speaker 5: in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, 456 00:33:11,530 --> 00:33:14,210 Speaker 5: gouge it out and throw it away. It is better 457 00:33:14,250 --> 00:33:16,210 Speaker 5: for you to lose one part of your body than 458 00:33:16,390 --> 00:33:20,220 Speaker 5: for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And 459 00:33:20,290 --> 00:33:22,790 Speaker 5: if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it 460 00:33:22,870 --> 00:33:25,530 Speaker 5: off and throw it away. It is better for you 461 00:33:25,590 --> 00:33:27,750 Speaker 5: to lose one part of your body than for your 462 00:33:27,810 --> 00:33:32,150 Speaker 5: whole body to go into hell. Jesus teaches that adultery 463 00:33:32,170 --> 00:33:35,390 Speaker 5: is not just a physical act, but begins in the 464 00:33:35,450 --> 00:33:40,810 Speaker 5: heart with lustful thoughts. He emphasizes the seriousness of dealing 465 00:33:40,870 --> 00:33:45,270 Speaker 5: with sin at its root, using hyperbolic language to convey 466 00:33:45,310 --> 00:33:48,280 Speaker 5: the drastic measures we should take to guard our hearts 467 00:33:48,560 --> 00:33:53,670 Speaker 5: against lust. and adultery. This teaching underscores the importance of 468 00:33:53,850 --> 00:33:57,350 Speaker 5: inner purity and the need to address sin before it 469 00:33:57,470 --> 00:34:02,510 Speaker 5: manifests in destructive actions. The story of David and Bathsheba 470 00:34:02,610 --> 00:34:07,170 Speaker 5: is a poignant illustration of how adultery begins with small 471 00:34:07,250 --> 00:34:13,569 Speaker 5: compromises and grows into something uncontrollable. David, a man after 472 00:34:13,610 --> 00:34:17,489 Speaker 5: God's own heart, allowed lust to take root in his heart. 473 00:34:18,180 --> 00:34:22,520 Speaker 5: leading to a series of tragic decisions. David's adultery with 474 00:34:22,580 --> 00:34:26,910 Speaker 5: Bathsheba did not begin with the act itself. First, he 475 00:34:26,989 --> 00:34:31,150 Speaker 5: shirked his responsibility to ride into battle with his men. Then, 476 00:34:31,530 --> 00:34:34,130 Speaker 5: he allowed his eyes to linger too long on a 477 00:34:34,170 --> 00:34:38,550 Speaker 5: woman that wasn't his wife. Then, he leveraged his power 478 00:34:38,610 --> 00:34:43,580 Speaker 5: to gain access to her. After that, everything snowballed and 479 00:34:43,640 --> 00:34:50,299 Speaker 5: devolved into chaos. Initial compromises lead to deceit, manipulation, and 480 00:34:50,460 --> 00:34:56,880 Speaker 5: ultimately for David, murder. Listen, friends, and listen closely. The 481 00:34:56,920 --> 00:34:59,600 Speaker 5: moment you let your guard down to a specific sin, 482 00:35:00,480 --> 00:35:05,000 Speaker 5: you've become more vulnerable than ever. There's a progression to 483 00:35:05,040 --> 00:35:09,200 Speaker 5: these sins, and we rarely see them coming. There's a 484 00:35:09,239 --> 00:35:13,830 Speaker 5: progression of adultery we must be aware of. Adultery begins 485 00:35:13,890 --> 00:35:17,980 Speaker 5: with small compromises in the heart. For David, it started 486 00:35:18,020 --> 00:35:21,100 Speaker 5: with a lingering gaze and a failure to turn away 487 00:35:21,180 --> 00:35:25,120 Speaker 5: from temptation. We must be vigilant about the thoughts and 488 00:35:25,160 --> 00:35:31,310 Speaker 5: desires we entertain. When given fuel, these small compromises grow 489 00:35:31,350 --> 00:35:36,450 Speaker 5: into something uncontrollable. David's lust led to an adulterous act, 490 00:35:37,130 --> 00:35:41,850 Speaker 5: which spiraled into deceit and murder. Unchecked sin in our 491 00:35:41,890 --> 00:35:46,880 Speaker 5: hearts can lead to actions that have devastating consequences. The 492 00:35:46,920 --> 00:35:51,620 Speaker 5: consequences of David's sin were severe. It led to personal guilt, 493 00:35:52,040 --> 00:35:55,940 Speaker 5: the death of an innocent man, and turmoil in his household. 494 00:35:57,320 --> 00:36:01,660 Speaker 5: Adultery and lust have far-reaching impacts on our lives and 495 00:36:01,680 --> 00:36:05,270 Speaker 5: the lives of others. That is why we must be 496 00:36:05,370 --> 00:36:11,210 Speaker 5: diligent in guarding our hearts. We begin with vigilance. Jesus' 497 00:36:11,250 --> 00:36:14,490 Speaker 5: teaching emphasizes the need for vigilance in guarding our hearts. 498 00:36:15,410 --> 00:36:19,290 Speaker 5: We must be proactive in avoiding situations and thoughts that 499 00:36:19,350 --> 00:36:23,890 Speaker 5: lead us into temptation. Then, we must seek out accountability. 500 00:36:24,969 --> 00:36:29,950 Speaker 5: Having accountability partners can help us stay on track. Confiding 501 00:36:29,989 --> 00:36:33,900 Speaker 5: with trusted friends or mentors about our struggles and seeking 502 00:36:33,940 --> 00:36:38,820 Speaker 5: their support can provide strength and encouragement. Third, we must 503 00:36:38,940 --> 00:36:44,239 Speaker 5: renew our minds. Regularly immersing ourselves in God's Word and 504 00:36:44,340 --> 00:36:47,690 Speaker 5: prayer helps to renew our mind and align our thoughts 505 00:36:47,790 --> 00:36:53,790 Speaker 5: with God's will. This spiritual discipline strengthens us against temptation. 506 00:36:54,530 --> 00:37:00,580 Speaker 5: Then we take drastic measures. Jesus' hyperbolic language about gouging 507 00:37:00,640 --> 00:37:03,420 Speaker 5: out an eye or cutting off a hand highlights the 508 00:37:03,460 --> 00:37:08,160 Speaker 5: importance of taking drastic measures to avoid sin. This might 509 00:37:08,219 --> 00:37:12,160 Speaker 5: mean setting boundaries on what we watch, read, or engage 510 00:37:12,219 --> 00:37:16,530 Speaker 5: with to protect our hearts. As we reflect on Jesus' 511 00:37:16,590 --> 00:37:21,430 Speaker 5: words in Matthew 5, verses 27-30 and the story of 512 00:37:21,570 --> 00:37:25,810 Speaker 5: David and Bathsheba, let us be reminded of the importance 513 00:37:25,870 --> 00:37:30,279 Speaker 5: of guarding our hearts against lust and adultery. May we 514 00:37:30,360 --> 00:37:34,279 Speaker 5: recognize that sin begins in the heart and take proactive 515 00:37:34,320 --> 00:37:38,239 Speaker 5: steps to maintain inner purity. Let us pray for the 516 00:37:38,280 --> 00:37:42,700 Speaker 5: strength to resist temptation, to seek accountability, to renew our 517 00:37:42,800 --> 00:37:47,469 Speaker 5: minds and and take the necessary measures to live in righteousness. 518 00:37:48,710 --> 00:37:52,650 Speaker 5: May we be true citizens of heaven, reflecting the purity 519 00:37:52,730 --> 00:37:57,450 Speaker 5: and holiness that Jesus calls us to. In our next episode, 520 00:37:57,910 --> 00:38:00,600 Speaker 5: we'll talk about the importance of marriage by going back 521 00:38:00,640 --> 00:38:03,840 Speaker 5: to the first marriage. We'll be swept away in the 522 00:38:03,900 --> 00:38:07,980 Speaker 5: Garden of Eden to talk about divorce, intimacy, and how 523 00:38:08,020 --> 00:38:11,480 Speaker 5: to cultivate love like a, well, like a garden.