2 Samuel 12:1-15a “Consequences of Forgiven Sin”
David covered his sin by killing Bathsheba’s husband and marrying her. “Then the LORD sent Nathan to David……..” (1a) Nathan shared a story of a rich man blessed with abundance who stole from a poor man his only ewe lamb to serve a traveler. David said the man deserved to die and then demanded: “He must make restitution for the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and had no compassion.” (6) “Nathan then said to David, ‘You are the Man!…’” (7a) Nathan goes on to elaborate on all God had done for David. In light of this Nathan said: “Why have you despised the word of the LORD by doing evil in His sight?…” (9a). He continues to tell the consequences of his selfish decision. The sword would never leave his house but God would raise evil up in his own household and his companion would sleep with his wives in broad daylight. “Indeed you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, and under the sun.” (12) David confessed his sin against God and Nathan said to him: “…’The LORD also has taken away your sin; you shall not die…’” (14a). Because David had given God’s enemies an occasion to blaspheme, God would take the the son born of this relationship. This sad story shows that there can be long lasting and painful consequences even to forgiven sin.
