Idleness (May 1)

Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God.  The Lord will do what is good in his sight.
                               2 Samuel 10:12 NIV

In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army.  They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah.  But David remained in Jerusalem.
                                2 Samuel 11:1 NIV

DAVID REMAINED IN JERUSALEM!!!!!  WHY????

Ok, David is more mature, and probably cannot engage in warfare as effectivley as when he faced Goliath at a much younger age, as a result; he might not participate actively in any  conflict himself; but the troops are his and so his wisdom, leadership skills, and royal presence are gifts the soldiers would certainly miss on any battlefield.  David should have gone with his troops and not remained in Jerusalem.

As a result of the military departure, what is David left with but idle time, and idle hands.  My mother told me that idle hands are the devil's workshop.  Think of the idle time and David's path in reference to James 1:14-15 NIV but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.  Think of Romans 6:23 NIV: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rather than being idle relaxing in Jerusalem, David should have been with Israel's soldiers wearing the full armour of God in order to stand against the devil's schemes. David should have stood firm with the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. 
                                (Ephesians 6)

Be on guard for idleness. 

Where are you, in your life, remaining in the old Jerusalem?

Pray that your eyes are open to idleness in your life.

In Christ,

David P