Read 2 Samuel 13:1
Highlights:
The consequences of David's sin begin to hit home (II Sam. 12:9-12), first with Amnon's rape and incest with his half-sister Tamar, which turns to hate, revenge, and eventually leads to murder as Absalom kills his brother Amnon and flees to Geshur. David and Absalom reconcile (14:28-33). But Absalom's treachery has only begun.
David is deceived first by his oldest son Amnon and then by his arrogant third son Absalom. For most of his life, David had been consistent in his walk with the Lord. But these two sons did not follow his godly example. The life of David's daughter Tamar was ruined by the cruel rape of Amnon (II Sam. 13:14-15). The sudden change in his reaction from what he termed "love" for her to "hate" is striking proof that lust is not love.When lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren (James 1:15-16).
Motivated by selfish ambition to become king, Absalom, under the pretext of "justice" for the attack on his sister Tamar, murdered his half-brother Amnon, possible heir to the throne by birthright.
Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud (his maternal grandfather), king of Geshur . . . and was there three years (II Sam. 13:37-38).
Sin results in sorrow, suffering, and separation from God. In a similar way, the hearts of godly parents are broken when their children live in sin.
As Christians, we have assurance that if any man sin, we have an Advocate (a Defender) with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous: And He is the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins (I John 2:1-2). We are also reminded: Be not deceived (Gal. 6:7); your sin will find you out (Num. 32:23).
We all should be deeply grateful for the mercy of God. From beginning to end, the Bible is the history of His redeeming love. God is still pleading with every sinner to repent, turn from sin, and wholeheartedly yield to Christ as Lord. As we yield our wills to the Lord and allow Him to mold us to conform with His will, we can fulfill the purpose for which He created us.
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever (I John 2:15-17).
Thought for Today:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you (Eph. 4:32).
Christ Revealed:
Through David's restoration of Absalom (II Sam. 14:33). If an earthly father's compassion reconciles him to his estranged son, how much more will our loving Heavenly Father reconcile us to Himself when we confess our sins. God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing (counting, crediting) their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation (II Cor. 5:19).
Word Studies:
13:4 lean depressed, looking so wretched; 13:5 make thyself sick =retend to be sick; 14:2 feign pretend; 14:4 did obeisance showed reverence, honor; 14:7 quench my coal which is left destroy the last of my family; 14:11 suffer allow; 14:21 done this thing granted your request; 14:26 polled his head cut his hair.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Government Official: Rep. Howard Berman (CA) • Country: Chile (15 million) on the southwestern coast of South America • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 73% Catholic; 20% Protestant; 1% Other; 6% None • Prayer Suggestion: Trust in God and offer up your prayers night and day (I Tim. 5:5).
Optional Reading: Acts 16:1
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:10
