47 Days of Justice 2024 - Day 10: Some people maintain their honor against all odds.

““Well, stay here today,” David told him, “and tomorrow you may return to the army.” So Uriah stayed in Jerusalem that day and the next. Then David invited him to dinner and got him drunk. But even then he couldn’t get Uriah to go home to his wife. Again he slept at the palace entrance with the king’s palace guard.”

‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭11:12-13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Have you ever heard of situational ethics? You know the philosophy: If the situation is bent in a certain direction, then I’ll do something, that in another situation, may have seemed to be wrong. But, in this situation, not so much. In the middle of our big fluffy buns of rationalization is still rotten baloney.

And then there’s the excuse used by some people, having done something against their general ethics, and/or something illegal, or something fraught with terrible consequences, that they were drunk, or high, or hurt, or depressed, etc., so they “fell” to the temptation.

Let’s take a look at Uriah. His sense of honor and duty did not allow him to go “relax” with his wife even when delayed from returning to the battle field. And that’s with the added feature of Uriah having been made drunk! Yet, he still remembered the oath he had made to his men, his cause, and his God.

Some might wonder why he didn’t just go home and be with his wife. After all, it would have ended up saving his life. But Uriah had no idea of the treachery that was afoot. But even if he had somehow known the fate awaiting him if he didn’t relent, he probably held his oath dearer than his life.

Remember, although we have no death wish, we know that there is a life beyond this life that must not be forfeited in exchange for the temporary life we have here.

“The one who loves his life [eventually] loses it [through death], but the one who hates his life in this world [and is concerned with pleasing God] will keep it for life eternal. If anyone serves Me, he must [continue to faithfully] follow Me [without hesitation, holding steadfastly to Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]; and wherever I am [in heaven’s glory], there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.”

‭‭John‬ ‭12:25-26‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Of course, I’m not saying that Uriah would’ve displeased God if he had gone home and been with his wife. We don’t know that. The point I’m making is that there are things more important than saving this life. And, if we continually go against what matters, continually go against what is pleasing to God, not only are we risking our eternal life, but what good are we doing living that way (a compromised servant of sin) in this world?

You may be concerned that you could not hold fast to what is right in difficult situations, in a hard press. Well, if it depended entirely on you, you are right to worry. But remember, the Lord has given us His spirit to provide the strength we need to endure temptation!

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man [who places his faith in wealth or status] to enter the kingdom of God.” They were completely and utterly astonished, and said to Him, “Then who can be saved [from the wrath of God]?” Looking at them, Jesus said, “With people [as far as it depends on them] it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.””

‭‭Mark‬ ‭10:25-27‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Whereas Jesus was referencing the temptations associated with having riches, the principle in the above scripture still applies: What we can’t do in our own strength, we can do in His strength! We have but to be willing and obedient.

Turning to King David: The Lord did not cause Uriah to refuse to go home and be with his wife. But the Lord did use this to hem David in. What now that his plan was a major fail? What will he do? Has his slide finally been interrupted?

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

#resolveforhim #47DaysOfJustice