David is described as “a man after God’s heart.” He is a hero. He overcame tremendous obstacles, made wise choices, maintained integrity and humility, and had a heart for God. The story of his life reads like the glory days of Camelot. Then we read one of the saddest chronicles in Scripture. It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; . . . . But David remained at Jerusalem (2 Sam 11:1).

How many disasters have been precipitated by seemingly insignificant decisions?

This great king fell into lust, adultery, deception, conspiracy, and murder. The consequences were staggering. Heartache like he had never known invaded his life. One son raped his sister, and was then killed by his brother. This same son led a revolt to usurp the throne from David, and was ultimately killed for his treason. The sins of the father produced a bitter harvest of family tragedies. How often David must have lamented, “If only I had not remained at Jerusalem!”

Of course, one lesson we learn from this story is that no one is exempt from the consequences of sin. We may choose our actions, not the consequences. They come as a package. Perhaps the most practical lesson is “Don’t try to hide your sin.” David’s adultery was a tragic moral failure. All of his conspiring could not restore his integrity. His efforts to cover his sin only made things worse. The only effective way to deal with sin is to confess it. Rest assured, God will bring it out.