THE REVIVAL SERIES

This series is dedicated to women in the Bible who are overlooked, but we see how God revives different areas of their lives and connects them to His greater purpose through His son, Jesus Christ. These incredible women can serve as examples to shape our faith and walk in obedience, knowing that God sees us, defends us, heals us, and restores us.

1. BETHSHEBA

   Imagine being the woman whom God avenges against the man after His own heart. The story of Bethsheba is often overlooked, as our focus tends to remain on David and his inspiring, genuine love for God.

   Despite David's loyalty to God, it is through Bathsheba that we see how God is a God of justice, regardless of the offender's identity. 

   
   

   The story of Bathsheba begins with the abuse of power and how God, through the prophet Nathan, brings David’s sin to light. Due to David’s status, Bathsheba is left with no choice but to follow through with his command when she is summoned. As the king, no one can outwardly condemn David for his murder and abuse of power. 

   But God does, and He rebukes David’s actions. 

   
   

   Psalms 43 vs 1 says, “ Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation;

   O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!”

   
   

   This verse perfectly sums up what God did for Bathsheba. As believers, we can feel shame for what we have gone through in life, or feel as though no one can defend us against the harm that comes our way. God is there to vindicate us and is “Elohei Mishpat”, the God of justice. 

   Through the story of Bathsheba, we ought to be encouraged that God’s justice does reign supreme above any form of human justice. 

The God of Justice

1. As punishment for David’s abuse and murder, God subjects the house of David to chaos and violence, as we later see through his sons. 

   
   

   Through her story, we can see that:

   
   

   1. Bathsheba does not take her own revenge against the king. God is the one who answers and pleads her case. As believers, we ought to practice surrendering our grievances to the Lord, rather than seeking our own justice. 

   2. Despite David's repentance, there are still consequences for his actions. This is a reminder for us that repentance does not mean we are exempt from our actions, for the wages of sin is death. Yes, we are forgiven and God’s love endures forever, but justice still has to be served. 

   3. God redeems Bethsheba by making her the mother of Solomon and then an ancestor of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As with Rahab, Tamar, and Leah, we see how God uses women who are seen as less than to be included in the lineage of Jesus. This shows that God doesn’t let our experiences define who we will become, but He uses them to show how great we can be through Him. 

   
   

   In Matthew 1 vs 6 “David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah's wife”, we see how Bathsheba is mentioned as Uriah’s wife because God still remembers the injustice that she faced. 

   
   

   Bathsheba is an excellent example of how God is always present and has a wider calling for our lives, despite the circumstances we face.  

   
   

   Matthew 11:28-30 says 

   Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

   
   

   This verse reminds us that no matter the burden, God gives us rest, just like he did with Bethsheba and many unsung heroes in the Bible.