Parents' Corner | October 20, 2019
Dear Parents,
The Ammonites were no strangers to the Israelites. They often fought over the region of Gilead, which stretched east of the Jordan River. David had tried showing kindness to the Ammonites, but they humiliated the Israelite ambassadors. (See 2 Sam. 10:1-5.) Thus began a war between the Israelites and Ammonites. This context sets the scene for the story of David’s sin and restoration.
One evening, David looked from his rooftop and saw Bathsheba bathing. He inquired about her and found out that she was the wife of Uriah, one of David’s elite soldiers. Her married status alone made her off-limits to David, but he nevertheless called for her and slept with her.
David probably assumed his sin would go unnoticed, until Bathsheba told him she was pregnant. With Uriah gone to war, it was obvious the baby was not her husband’s.
David had a plan. He called Uriah home from the battle and encouraged him to be with his wife. But Uriah refused. Uriah didn’t think it was fair for him to be with his wife while other men were at war.
Plan B: David instructed his army commander to position Uriah in the most violent part of the battle so he would be killed. This time, David’s plan worked. Uriah was killed, and David took Bathsheba as his wife.
God knew David’s sin and sent Nathan the prophet to confront David. David’s confession is recorded in Psalm 51. David knew making sacrifices would not be enough to please God and pay for his sin. God wanted David’s heart to change so he would not want to sin again.
Like David, we need more than a changed lifestyle to be made right with God; we need new hearts. Jesus died to satisfy God’s wrath against sin so that we could be made alive in Him.
God Bless,
David Feiser
Family Ministry Pastor
The Well Community Church
Family Starting Points
October 20, 2019
Scripture Memory: Colossians 1:16-17
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
Big Picture Question:
Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever, and He rules over the world.
Bible Story: David Sinned and Was Restored (2 Samuel 11:1–12:14; Psalm 51)
- David took Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba.
- David tried to cover up his sin.
- David said he was sorry for his sin, and God forgave him.
Family Discussion Starters:
- Think about everyone who was affected by David’s sin.
- Tell about a time someone else was affected by a wrong choice you made.
- Have you ever tried to cover up something you did wrong?
Family Activity:
- Read Psalm 51:4. Talk about how even when our sin affects others, our sin is most of all a sin against God.
- David took something that did not belong to him. Challenge each family member to do the opposite and give away one item that belongs to him or her.
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