In my extremely simplistic view of the science of math, I have a favorite symbol. The equals symbol. (=) Two simple little dashes that speak of perfect balance. They denote harmony, equality, and symmetry. As you advance into the more difficult fields of math like calculus and trigonometry, the problems you attempt to solve look like a chicken walked through a puddle of ink. Numbers, letters, and strange symbols all splayed across the paper in seemingly random nothingness. The task of the student; to create order from the chaos. And you cannot achieve this without the equals sign. It is the cantilever on which the equation rests.
In life there is an equals sign as well. A hypothetical existence that requires things to be moved equally from one side to the other. There is a balance in this life that God commands and He does it with great symmetry and order. Some might describe this balance simply as, good is paid back with more good. Some might say that what you send out comes back to you. Others might paraphrase the principle as what you give you get. But I think God says it best:
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” Galatians 6:7
What you sow you reap. God made it very clear for a culture that was primarily agrarian. The seed you put into the ground will sprout and grow the exact same thing you planted. You cannot plant a corn seed and expect tomatoes. You cannot plant a cucumber seed and expect to get a watermelon. You cannot sow evil to others and expect peace in return. God created all and God controls all. He will not be mocked, ridiculed, or derided. In this life His Word promises us that our behavior revolves around the equals sign of life. There will be balance and symmetry in our actions. In fact, to glean the maximum understanding, let’s look at the entire passage of Galatians for contextual application.
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:1-10
You could almost assume that Paul penned this verse as God whispered into his ear the events of 2 Samuel 12. The events we see unfolding in Samuel perfectly mirror these comments that the church at Galatia received. That is one of the many glorious wonders of God’s Word, it is timelessly applicable in our lives.
We saw David yesterday allow his flesh to lead him in 2 Samuel 11. He gazed too long at Bathsheba and as a result his sin nature did what it does if allowed, it rules our minds, thoughts, body, and actions. As a result, David has no choice but to chase a resolution to his sin. A resolution that brings David to commit murder, betrayal, lies and adultery. Chapter 11 closes with David on the throne thinking his secret sin is safe. He has gagged all that know, eliminated the non-essential husband, and now must sit tight and hope no one says a word. There’s only one problem…when a heart that beats for God plants sin, God will see that restitution sprouts.
One of the hardest things in the world is to speak brutal, hard honesty. Especially to people you love. As you see a loved one spiraling into sin or living in that sin, you want to cry out to them. You can see the direction they are heading, and you know what lies in their future path. But how do you lovingly alter their forward progress? Galatians 1 addresses just this conundrum. “You who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.” Today we see that God sends just such a man to restore David out of His great sin.
“And the Lord sent Nathan to David.” 2 Samuel 12:1
Folks, God does not want us to live in sin. He does not want sin to become normal for us. God desires us to live righteous lives, free of sin and well away from its damaging effects. As a result, God will raise up spiritual people who will speak into our lives. But it still doesn’t make it easy. On either end. When sin in our lives is addressed, it’s hard to hear. And it's also hard to be the one to bring it up. It must have been amazingly difficult for Nathan to have this conversation with King David. Even though God sent Nathan, he didn’t know how David would react. David could have executed him on the spot. And as far as having someone bring up your sin, it’s just as difficult, possibly even more. Nathan lays it out on the table. Few people knew of the depth of David’s sin, but God did. Now it has been declared out loud in the middle of the throne room, for all to hear. Oh, the bitter sting of when our secret sin becomes public.
Folks, God loves us enough to care about the sin in our life. We live in a world today where we are told to simply leave people alone. To let them live in their own addiction to alcohol or pornography. Let them live their lives. We are told that tolerance is the best policy. To just tolerate anything they want whether it be living in homosexuality, walking in pride, or angrily delivering injustice to those around them . But folks, if these people are children of God, He will care about how they live. He cared about the sin in David’s life and He will care about the sin in the lives of those that call His Son Jesus their Savior. And to do that, He will raise up men and women that also care. And like Nathan, they will “restore them in a Spirit of gentleness.”
God will demand that, per the Law, David’s sinful actions be repaid fourfold. (Ex 22:1) He places a curse upon his household, and it will play out in dire, vile circumstances in the chapters to come. Murder, rape, incest, and violence will visit the family of David. And it all could have been avoided if David would have merely looked away from that bathing beauty on the rooftop. Folks, we’re told that you reap what you sow and that is a truth of God and a fact of life. But when it comes to sin, it’s better to not sow at all. Don’t sow sin today and hope that it never spouts, flee from sin, and never even put it into the ground.
God bless you, if you’re reading this you’re being prayed for.
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