At that hour David saw Bathsheba. We
are never out of the reach of temptation. Both at home and abroad we are liable
to meet with allurements to evil; the morning opens with peril, and the shades
of evening find us still in jeopardy. They are well kept whom God keeps, but
woe unto those who go forth into the world, or even dare to walk their own
house unarmed. Those who think themselves secure are more exposed to danger
than any others. The armour-bearer of Sin is Self-confidence.
David should have been engaged in
fighting the Lord's battles, instead of which he tarried at Jerusalem, and gave
himself up to luxurious repose, for he arose from his bed at eventide. Idleness
and luxury are the devil's jackals, and find him abundant prey. In stagnant
waters noxious creatures swarm, and neglected soil soon yields a dense tangle
of weeds and briars. Oh for the constraining love of Jesus to keep us active
and useful! When I see the King of Israel sluggishly leaving his couch at the
close of the day, and falling at once into temptation, let me take warning, and
set holy watchfulness to guard the door.
Is it possible that the king had
mounted his housetop for retirement and devotion? If so, what a caution is
given us to count no place, however secret, a sanctuary from sin! While our
hearts are so like a tinder-box, and sparks so plentiful, we had need use all
diligence in all places to prevent a blaze. Satan can climb housetops, and
enter closets, and even if we could shut out that foul fiend, our own
corruptions are enough to work our ruin unless grace prevent. Reader, beware of
evening temptations. Be not secure. The sun is down but sin is up. We need a
watchman for the night as well as a guardian for the day. O blessed Spirit,
keep us from all evil this night. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment