No 28

(Temptation)

“And it came to pass in an evening tide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house.” 2 Samuel 11:2

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 temptations 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 and dare to walk on their own. Those who think themselves secure are more exposed to danger than any others. The breeding place of sin is self-confidence.

David should have been engaged in fighting the Lord’s battles, instead of which he was at Jerusalem, and he arose from his bed. Idleness and luxury are the devil’s tools and neglected soil soon yields many weeds. Oh for the constraining love of Jesus to keep us active and useful! When I see the King of Israel leaving his couch at the close of the day and falling at once into temptation, let me take warning.

Is it possible that the king had gone up to his housetop for prayer and devotion? If so, what a caution is given us that no place, however secret, is free from sin! While our hearts are so like dried leaves and sparks so plentiful, we need to use all diligence in all places to prevent a fire. Satan can climb housetops, enter closets and even if we could shut him out, our own corruptions are enough to work our ruin unless grace prevent. We need a watchman for the night as well as a guardian for the day. “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” (Psalm 51:12).