“But each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed” (James 1:14, ASV).

At the time when kings go out to battle, King David sent Joab, and his servants, and all Israel out to war against Ammon and Rabbah. But David stayed at home in Jerusalem. In the evening, David got out of bed and walked on the roof of his house. He saw Bathsheba bathing. She was beautiful, and he sent for her.

What started out as a “little sin,” just looking, bred lust in David’s heart. His sins got bigger and bigger. He tried to deceive Uriah, but it didn’t work. Then he had Uriah killed. What happened to this king?

First, he was in the wrong place. He should have been on the battle field with his troops. Second, he looked long enough to bring lust. He was not in control of his heart, but Satan was. Third, he let his station in life as king bring arrogance and pride and warp his mind. He was the king, after all. He could do what he wanted, and the people had to obey him. Fourth, he forgot God. Bit by bit, Satan drew him deeper into sin.

How far David fell. He was the shepherd who rescued his sheep from a lion and a bear with God’s help. He played his harp to soothe Saul’s tortured mind. He wrote many psalms praising God. He was very close to God and has been called a man after God’s own heart. Yet he fell into sin and disgrace.

Before we condemn him, let us look to ourselves. Satan has not stopped walking up and down like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Could that someone be you? Could it be me? It could if we are not watching lest the devil draw us in bit by bit.

Hymn: “I’ll Never Forsake My Lord”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we always be on the lookout for Satan and his wiles lest we be drawn away from You and sin. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

Donna Wittlif, Denver, Colorado