Let's recap so far: Bathsheba came from a very godly family. Her husband and father were mighty men of valor, her grandfather was an exceedingly wise advisor, two of her children were in Jesus' lineage, her second son was proclaimed to be beloved of Jehovah, and she named one of her children after the prophet Nathan. Even if she were equally at fault with David in the adultery (which I don't believe), she appears from the Biblical record to be a wonderful example of one who was accepted and blessed richly by God, despite her sin. Between wives and concubines, David was intimate with over ten different women. God could have chosen from any of these women for the lineage of Christ, but He chose Bathsheba for that honor--twice. God favored her significantly in this way.

Friends, when God redeems someone from sin, He doesn't just forgive them, He elevates them! Scripture speaks of a robe, a ring, a fatted calf, and a seat at the Father's banqueting table (cf. Luke 15:11ff). Bathsheba is the story of a woman with a skeleton in her closet who became a chosen member of God's royal family. And so it is with all of God's sons and daughters. God doesn't put a band-aid on your heart; He puts a crown on your head. It is about time we saw Bathsheba for what she truly was: a blessed daughter of Zion!

And finally, let's consider: BATHSHEBA AS A GODLY MOTHER.
Stephen, what does the Bible teach about Bathsheba as a godly mother? Perhaps very little, but then again maybe quite a bit!

It is well known that Proverbs 31 depicts an exemplary model of a woman of God. But, perhaps you've not considered who is ultimately responsible for the content of this chapter (before it was written and preserved by the Spirit of God). Proverbs 31:1 reads - "The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him." Who is this King Lemuel? Prior to this 19th century, Jewish and Christian authorities were almost unanimous in identifying Lemuel as a pet name for Solomon given to him by his mother Bathsheba! In fact, the Jewish authorities affirm that this teaching was given to Solomon, by his mother Bathsheba, as a reproof on his marriage with Pharaoh's daughter. It makes sense because the chapter discusses what are arguably Solomon's two greatest weaknesses: wine and women. Verses 4,5 deal with the wine issue - "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink; lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of all the afflicted."

And verses 10 through the end of the chapter describe what a godly woman is like that the king should desire to marry. Here are some excerpts from that powerful section:

"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies...She does him [her husband] good and not evil all the days of her life...Strength and honor are her clothing...She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness...Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised."

Here in Proverbs 31 we have a woman behaving as a great mother in endeavoring to teach her son to live a godly life and to find and marry a virtuous woman (not one that simply appeals to the eyes). Is this not mothering at its finest? Is there an example of mothering that excels this in Scripture? And isn't it amazing to contemplate that this very well may be a record of teachings by Bathsheba! Bathsheba the seductress? Bathsheba the adulteress? No, Bathsheba the woman of God!

Bathsheba is not a perfect woman with a flawless past. She is a redeemed woman and an example to all the mothers out there who haven't lived a perfect life. God can take you from a life of ruin and shame and bless you beyond measure. So how will your story end, dear listeners?