David’s Sin and Its Consequences
By Scott
So long as we abide on earth, Satan has access to us, through the remains of sin in our hearts, especially of pride; and the Lord has wise and righteous reasons for permitting this enemy, under certain restrictions, to tempt his servants. As far as he obtains this permission, he is unwearied in his malicious efforts to deceive, to defile, or to distress us; and he can vary his devices in many plausible ways; but he does us more harm as a seducer than as an accuser, as a subtle serpent than as a roaring lion. We are, therefore, called on to be sober and vigilant, and to pray always, that we “enter not into temptation;” and, as men advance in rank and reputation, authority, or usefulness, they have need to redouble the guard, and to be more watchful and instant in prayer than ever; for the enemy levels his assaults especially against those who are eminent in character, or fill up public stations, in the church or in the community; because their falls involve numbers either in sin or suffering. It is a mercy to be speedily made sensible of our guilt, when we have been left to transgress; but no confession or humiliation can secure us from present sufferings, when we have committed such crimes, as appear abominable even to ungodly men, and bring an open scandal on our profession. By thus yielding to temptation, we bring ourselves into dreadful straits, from which we can by no means extricate ourselves; yet, even in this case, there is encouragement for us to leave our cause in the hand of the Lord, that he may do with us as he pleases; “for very great are his mercies.” Of all the painful consequences of transgression, none in this world can be more distressing to an ingenuous mind, than to see those whom we most love, and desire the most to do good to, suffering heavily through our sins. But even under the anguish of this trial, we must not allow ourselves to murmur, or to despond. The fear of impending vengeance, from the wrath of an offended God, is naturally calculated to drive men from him. But, in subserviency to the gospel, and through the influence of the Spirit of God, it concurs in showing sinners the preciousness of Christ; disposing them to forsake all for him, and afterwards enlarging the mind in grateful obedience to him, who has saved them from so great a destruction.—Scott.