You don’t have to turn to Netflix or CNN to be shocked, mesmerized, entertained, or disappointed with the fall of a business, political, or other celebrity. There is some juicy stuff right in the Old Testament.
In fact, we assign a moniker to those whose power clouds their vision and leads to huge mistakes and ultimately a mighty fall. We call it the King David Syndrome. And for good reason. Nineteenth Century English historian Lord Acton (1834–1902) in a letter to Bishop Mandell Creighton about how historians should judge the abuse of power by past rulers, especially popes, said, “Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely.” This is not something new. And it isn’t limited to those with absolute power.
We all sin. We all fall short of what God expects of us – and what we should expect of ourselves. We have a lot to learn from King David.
First, the progressive nature of sin. David had ample opportunity to avoid the adultery and murder that stemmed from a glance into Bathsheba’s window. It usually doesn’t start with dive into a dark, sin-filled world. It’s more like a slow slide. We tell a little white lie. Just to make everyone comfortable and to make our life a little easier. But then we have to tell another to cover for that one. Then we have to tell lies to even more people to cover those. And so on. Once we find it easy to lie – with no repercussions – we resort to lies more often. And they get bigger. Of course, it isn’t just a lie that leads us down the path.
Second, we all have power. The power that leads to these sinful actions isn’t just wealth or political power. We all have power over those who trust us, those who love us, those who give us the benefit of the doubt, and those who are kind to us. We abuse that trust, love, and kindness because there is nothing to stop us. It is absolute.
The good news? David’s story doesn’t end with his sin. God, in His relentless love and grace, sent the prophet Nathan to confront David. Confronted with his sin, David’s response was one of genuine repentance. That isn’t the nature of the world these days. Or with ourselves. We are great at excuses and blaming others.
As we reflect on David’s story, let us examine our own hearts. Where have we allowed sin to take root? Where have we judged others harshly while excusing our own faults? Let us come before God with humility and repentance, seeking His grace and strength to overcome our weaknesses.
David’s story reminds us that falling from grace is a danger we all face, but it also teaches us about the power of repentance and God’s willingness to forgive. May we strive to be more like the shepherd boy who trusted in God’s strength and less like the king who relied on his own power and fell into sin.
Readings:
2 Samuel 11:1-15
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