JANUARY 17

It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king’s house …
(2 Samuel 11:2)

At that hour, David saw Bathsheba. We are never out of the reach of temptation. We are liable to meet with allurements to evil both at home and away. The morning opens with peril, and the shades of evening find us still in jeopardy. They are well-kept, whom God keeps, but woe to those who go out into the world or even dare to walk their own house unarmed. Those who think themselves secure are more exposed to danger than any others. The armour-bearer of Sin is Self-confidence.

David should have been fighting the Lord’s battles instead of resting in Jerusalem, giving himself up to luxurious repose, for he arose from his bed at eventide. Idleness and luxury are the devil’s jackals and find him abundant prey. In stagnant waters, noxious creatures swarm, and neglected soil soon yields a dense tangle of weeds and briars.

Oh, for the constraining love of Jesus to keep us active and useful! When I see the King of Israel sluggishly leaving his couch at the close of the day and falling at once into temptation, let me take warning and set holy watchfulness to guard the door.

Is it possible that the king had mounted his housetop for retirement and devotion? If so, what caution is given to us to count no place, however secret, a sanctuary from sin! While our hearts are like a tinderbox and sparks so plentiful, we must use all diligence in all places to prevent a blaze. Satan can climb housetops and enter closets, and even if we could shut out that foul fiend, our own corruptions are enough to work our ruin unless grace prevents it.

Reader, beware of evening temptations. Be not secure. The sun is down, but sin is up. We need a watchman for the night as well as a guardian for the day. O blessed Spirit, keep us from all evil this night. Amen.