The Other Man

2 Samuel 12 : 1 – 7, Then the LORD sent Nathan to David. And he came to him, and said to him: "There were two men in one city, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had exceedingly many flocks and herds. But the poor man had nothing, except one little ewe lamb which he had bought and nourished; and it grew up together with him and with his children. It ate of his own food and drank from his own cup and lay in his bosom; and it was like a daughter to him. And a traveler came to the rich man, who refused to take from his own flock and from his own herd to prepare one for the wayfaring man who had come to him; but he took the poor man's lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him." So David's anger was greatly aroused against the man, and he said to Nathan, "As the LORD lives, the man who has done this shall surely die! And he shall restore fourfold for the lamb, because he did this thing and because he had no pity." Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man! NKJV

The writer of Hebrews wrote that Moses forsook the pleasures of Egypt choosing rather to suffer with his brethren. Sin may have pleasure for a season but it will rob far more from you than it will offer. If you haven’t read about the consequences of David’s sin in his own family and you’re being tempted with sin, I encourage you to read the rest of the story.

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

Please take notice of the anger that arises in David’s heart against this rich man that had stolen the ewe lamb from this innocent man who was poor. The king not realizing that Nathan was speaking about him and his sin, judged, convicted and condemned the rich man to death. David was quick to pass judgment on another man until he realized that he was that other man. Sin had completely blinded David of his own actions. He didn’t view what he had done for a moment of pleasure as sin in his own life. He never realized that his sin cost a poor man his only possession, as well as his life, until the truth revealed the sin in his heart.

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

2 Samuel 12 : 7 – 9, Thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your keeping, and gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if that had been too little, I also would have given you much more! Why have you despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in His sight?  NKJV

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

Lord help me guard my heart,
Pastor Asa Dockery