We All Have The Capacity of Evil

The difference between Saul and David was like night and day. David loved God and followed him. Saul was disobedient to God and despised David because he enjoyed God’s blessings. David was a different king—different from Saul and distinct from any other king because he was God’s king. However, the temptation that came with being king was too much for even David.

The story told to us in 2 Samuel 11 is one of the ugliest stories in the Bible. David saw a woman bathing from the roof of his palace. He inquired who she was and found out that she was married. That should have stopped David, but it didn’t. Knowing that, he had her brought to him and committed adultery with her. Everything returned to normal as she returned home. Then David received a message from the woman stating she was pregnant. Immediately, David arranged things so that everyone would think the child belonged to her husband.

This horrible story demonstrates that David was no better than Saul. David had the capacity to do evil, as we all do, much greater than he ever thought. As king, he reverted into a Saul. He saw, took, and now sought to cover up his sin. His plans failed because of the integrity of Uriah. So after several attempts to cover up his sin, he resorted to murder.

It seems unbelievable that David, a man after God’s own heart, would do this. The deceitfulness of the human heart is on full display in David’s attempts to hide the truth from God. David was in a state of mind that made his behavior seem acceptable. David wrote a letter and sent it by the hand of Uriah, the husband of the woman: “Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die” (2 Samuel 11:15). One step after another, David had dug himself deeper into deception. Now he was planning a conspiracy to deliberately execute an innocent man to protect himself. We can hardly believe this is the same David who refused to shed blood to defend himself, but now resorted to murder to cover up his own sin.

Joab, his commander, implemented David’s command to camouflage the murder. What David really wanted was accomplished. However, in doing so, other innocent soldiers also died in the folly David had planned. Among those who fell that day was the one who was a problem for David:   “…Moreover, Uriah the Hittite died” (2 Samuel 11:17)

When David was told what had happened, “Say this to Joab: ‘Don’t let this upset you; the sword devours one as well as another. Press the attack against the city and destroy it.’ Say this to encourage Joab (2 Samuel 11:25). What David and Joab did was fine in their own eyes, but it wasn’t in God’s eyes. The account closes with these words: “But the thing David had done displeased the Lord” (2 Samuel 11:27). This story should shock us all to remember that we all have the capacity to do evil. Only in humility and with God’s help will we be able to refrain ourselves against the temptations of the flesh. This is war in ourselves, we cannot win, only with God’s help will we be victorious.

Jesus Calms The Storm

The Sea of Galilee is only five miles wide and thirteen miles long, but it is known for its sudden storms. The sea is surrounded by mountains with deep ravines. These ravines bring the winds whirling down upon the lake without notice.

The miracle of Jesus calming the sea, as related by Luke in chapter 8, occurred at the end of a long day of ministry, and it was now time to rest. Jesus directed his disciples to sail to the other side of the lake, although they did not know that a storm was brewing. Jesus got in the boat and found a place in the stern of the boat, where he fell fast asleep. The disciples began the journey across the lake in the calm evening hours.

The storm that came to the boat carrying the disciples and Jesus was planned and sent by God. It was the instrument that God would use to teach the disciples a valuable lesson on faith and trust. Without difficulties, we would never grow to be what we should become. Storms are part of the process of spiritual growth both then and now.

Perhaps such a storm is raging in your life. You are in the middle of it now, and it feels like you are about to drown. We have all been there at some point. It may be a family problem, your business, a health problem, or a problem with a child. Whatever the trial, if you ask God to meet you in your distress, he can bring the calm and peace you need. 

The disciples woke him, saying, “Jesus, we’re going to drown!” (Luke 8:24). They were afraid that all of them, including Jesus, would die. They thought that everything, even their hopes for the future, would go in an instant. The irony of the moment is shocking because, despite having been with Jesus for some time, witnessing numerous miracles, listening fervently to his teaching, and even seeing him raise the dead, they thought this was the end.

The storm did not wake Jesus, but his doubting disciples did. Jesus acted immediately: He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm” (Luke 8:24). The wind immediately stopped. It was a sudden calm. The sea was also calmed instantaneously. Then Jesus asked, “Where is your faith?”(Luke 8:25).

The question was a rebuke.  Although their fear was natural and took over, they were embarrassed by their lack of faith. They had seen too much of his power, and they knew he was the Messiah. But in their fear, they had abandoned their faith. How like us. Fear comes, and all the reasons for trust evaporate, even though God has quelled many storms in our lives.  

But now, as they rode the calm sea, their faith returned. So, “In fear and amazement, they asked one another, ‘Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” (Luke 8:25). What a moment! What an experience to see Jesus speak to the wind and the waves and watch them obey. This same Jesus is with us each day!