Victims of a broken promise…

2 Samuel 21; Psalm 53

This chapter of Samuel begins with a famine in Israel for over three years, with David finally asking the Lord why the famine is taking place in his kingdom. God answers that Saul  had broken a vow (or promise, or covenant) by killing the Gibeonites (see Joshua 9 for the origin of that vow – note that the Israelites were tricked into making the promise, but still God expects them to keep it!).

David approached the Gibeonites on how he can correct the broken promise. They demanded seven of Saul’s sons to be killed as an atonement. David had no choice but to deliver and did as they requested (except for Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, due to yet another promise). It was sad but necessary to stop the famine. After this, David went and retrieved the bones of Saul and Jonathan and buried them in the country of Benjamin with Saul’s father Kish.

The chapter ends with the Philistines going to war against Israel. In the battle, David grew faint and was nearly killed by the sons of the giants. Israel decided then that David should not come out to battle any more, so the light of Israel is not quenched – in other words, they didn’t want to lose their king because he was fighting in wars.  [Incidentally, in this war a man named Elhanan killed Goliath’s brother, and David’s nephew Jonathan killed a giant of Gath who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot.]

David was no stranger to covenants with God, or man, for that matter. The 400 year old covenant broken by Saul caused famine and tragedy in David’s kingdom, even though David was not the one to break the promise. It is a good reminder that God takes our covenants seriously. The promises we make to each other, and the promises we make to God, are known by Him and remembered by Him.  It is comforting to think of that aspect when we think of the good things God has promised us in his covenants with us, but scary to think of that in light of all of the broken promises we see between each other and between ourselves and the Lord.

I cannot think of broken covenants without thinking of the covenant of marriage. We all know, some of us with intimate and first-hand knowledge, someone who is either divorced or going through a divorce. Regardless of who and/or what is to blame, the broken promises between two people that had promised to be together “till death do us part” does not affect only those two people. The children, extended families and even friends are all impacted by the separation of two people once married. Yet, even through the sorrow that follows divorce, we do not have to be separated from God. We can still seek forgiveness for the promises broken, we can offer forgiveness for the betrayal, and set an example to others of mercy and grace through a difficult time. Like David, we can seek out God’s will in the aftermath of the brokenness.

Father, thank you for being a loving God. Thank you for never breaking your promises and covenants with us. Please open our eyes and hearts to your word and allow it to speak to us where we are in our lives today. Help me to be faithful like you are faithful, keeping my promises. God, if there is any promise I have broken, please help me to see that and to make it right. Please help me to turn to you in times of trouble, and to reflect your grace and mercy to those around me. 

Restoration Monday

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s Readings: 2 Samuel 20 and Psalm 52

res·to·ra·tion

ˌrestəˈrāSH(ə)n/

noun

noun: restoration

 

  • the action of returning something to a former owner, place, or condition.
  • the process of repairing or renovating a building, work of art, vehicle, etc., so as to restore it to its original condition.
  • the reinstatement of a previous practice, right, custom, or situation.
  • a model or drawing representing the supposed original form of an extinct animal, ruined building, etc
  • the return of a hereditary monarch to a throne, a head of state to government, or a regime to power.

I wanted to start with this word today to give us some inspiration for the new year. It’s my third year as your Sunday night blogger and therefore my third Easter post! I like to think of the Monday after Easter as the beginning of a new year. The spiritual energy of the Easter season is far more captivating for me than the celebration of Christmas. We’ve just finished celebrating Christ’s resurrection and perhaps more importantly, we’ve mourned his death. I had the opportunity to be on the stage side of Eastview’s Night of Worship on Good Friday. As we lifted our hands and voices in worship, we witnessed hundreds of people literally cry out to God. We heard the sound of the nails being driven through Jesus’ hands and feet. We wept for his pain and suffering on our behalf. That sound of a hammer pounding a nail was so real, so palpable it stuck with me. Tonight, as I read through 2 Samuel 20 and prepared to write to you, that sound came right back to me. As we hear about the Sheba rebels trying to overthrow David we’re suddenly exposed to some really graphic details. First there’s the little encounter with Joab and Amasa:

“When they were at the great stone that is in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Now Joab was wearing a soldier’s garment, and over it was a belt with a sword in its sheath fastened on his thigh, and as he went forward it fell out. 9 And Joab said to Amasa, “Is it well with you, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. 10 But Amasa did not observe the sword that was in Joab’s hand. So Joab struck him with it in the stomach and spilled his entrails to the ground without striking a second blow, and he died.” 2 Samuel 20:8-10

 I know right. Entrails. Not exactly the lily white Easter message you were expecting today. None of this seems very Godly and honestly it’s tough to read. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t get any better! Just a few paragraphs later, Joab is pursuing Sheba in order to restore justice and peace among the tribes of Isreal. A wise woman stops him from destroying the city by promising she will have Sheba killed and his head tossed over the city wall.

“And the woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall.” 22 Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it out to Joab. So he blew the trumpet, and they dispersed from the city, every man to his home. And Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.” 2 Samuel 20:21-22

 When I first began studying this scripture I really worked at spinning it into a beautiful celebratory Easter message. But the word of God can’t be spun. It isn’t meant to be spun. Joab’s story is messy. His murderous act went unpunished and he went on to be the king of Jerusalem. The world we live in today is the same. There are acts of violence in our city and there are leaders that rise to power despite a sinful past. But there is also grace. 2 Samuel 20 is really about the restoring the stability of the 12 tribes of Israel. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we too have the opportunity for restoration. We can begin our new year by identifying the structural cracks in our spiritual life that need repair. There might be a need for demolition and rebuilding but through Jesus we have the tools we need. Sometimes the details of our human lives are graphic, our truth isn’t always Easter white. By returning to prayer and restoring our relationship with Jesus we can be made whole.

Happy Easter New Year!

 

 

 

Not an April Fools’ Joke

After Jesus died and was buried, the priests and Pharisees went to Pilate and asked to secure the tomb until the third day. Pilate granted the request by sending “a guard of soldiers” and said to “make it as secure as you can”.

Roman soldiers were known for their precision, brutality, training, and being well committed to their assignment (or face severe consequences). We’re not talking about clown cops. These were tough dudes who didn’t mess around. Remember the brutal torture (scourging) from Friday? If you’ve seen “The Passion of the Christ”, you know what I’m talking about.

Except the guards were no match for God’s plans.

2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. (Matthew 28:2-4)

This brief account strengthens my own belief in the resurrection. No one was going to be able to steal the body. No one was going to roll away that stone. No one would dare attempt to overtake the guards.

We know that Jesus lived and his miracles were well documented. It is documented that he died on the cross and just to be sure, the soldiers pierced him with a spear (John 19:33-34). There were witnesses to the burial as well.

Up to this point we can say he was an amazing man. Humble, giving, peaceful, a good teacher, and even a miracle worker. All these are great qualities however without the resurrection, he would have been just another dead human.

He Has Risen!

5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. (Matthew 28:5-6)

The Old Testament foretold of him long before these events occurred and we must choose to believe it or deny it.

But he was pierced for our transgressions;
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
    and with his wounds we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
    we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
    the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:5-6)

Jesus walked out of that grave. In his death, he was the sacrifice for our sin. In his defeat of death, he proved his worthiness as a savior and allows us to run out of our own graves that we’ve dug through our sin.

Doubters Welcome!

What will you choose today? Doubters are welcome so start with a simple prayer as one who seeks. He knows your doubts so why not share them with him right now?

Jesus said,

7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8) 

He Wants Us

2 Samuel 19 and Psalm 51 – Resurrection Eve

Have you ever wondered when the deniers, doubters, crucifiers, and liars had their moment of realization of who Jesus was and their role in His death? Was it immediate, like Peter when the rooster crowed the third time? Or did it take longer, after Jesus had been taken from the cross and put in the tomb? Or was it not until days later, when word got around that Jesus was alive, and Thomas even put his hand into his side.  Did they respond like David does, in his Psalms about his own sins? Had I been there, would I have realized it immediately, or would it have taken me awhile to understand? What would have been my response to knowing I put Jesus on the cross?

From an early age I learned about Jesus and have never doubted who He was or what He did for me.  As I got older, my heart to please God was challenged by my selfishness and temptations to sin. In high school especially, I was stuck on this hamster wheel of wanting to “be good” and do the right thing, but time and time again would fall into cycles of sin and rebellion. I would go through a period of mourning, praying, and vow to not fall into that junk again. I would “be good” for awhile and then it would start over. I was so frustrated with myself and lack of self control. Everything seemed so easy and made so much sense sitting in church on Sundays and at youth group on Wednesday nights.  But by Friday night – it all flew out the window.

I made a decision when I was 16 to try to get off that hamster wheel for good, and I wanted a REAL CHANGE. While I had always believed in Jesus, I needed to do something different and drastic in my life so that I could be more consistent in my choices to follow Jesus. I believed. I could talk the talk. I needed to WALK the WALK – even on the weekends.  I joined a conservative faith community that was rich in tradition and strong in holy habits.  The fellowship of the close-knit group was unmatched. The believers there invested time and energy in helping me understand God’s Word. I learned so much in this season of life and thank God for putting people into my path to draw me to Him.

One of the biggest things I learned is that even with all of the holy habits, fellowship, and accountability, I still sinned.  As much as I wanted to ‘be good’, I couldn’t. I wasn’t. And it took my early adult years to figure out that God doesn’t want me to ‘be good’. He wants me forgiven. This is why He brought us Jesus. In my youth I found myself categorizing sin and thought mine was the worst – if I could just stop those major sins, then I would be acceptable in God’s eyes. It took a lot of years to really believe that ALL sin is unrighteousness in God’s eyes. While sins may have greater or lesser consequences on earth – the sin itself is all the same: separation from God, no matter how big or small.

During this time of growth, the elder of our church, a kind and sweet man named Ervin, would point me back to Psalms 51. Over and over again, I would counsel with him, pour my heart out, trying to figure out why I would still from time to time fall back into those old sinful ways and make bad decisions.  He was so patient with me, and would read this scripture with me.  Even though it was twenty years ago, I can clearly recall our conversations.  He would encourage me to go home and pray the prayers that David did, a man who loved God so much and would still find himself in a mess of sin. And just like David, I would weap and mourn over my sins and ask God for forgiveness.  My quest to “be good” was a fruitless journey – and through prayers like Psalm 51, I found that a broken heart for my sin drew me closer to Him more than my checklist of ‘being good’ ever did.  As C.S. Lewis said: God doesn’t want something from us, He simply wants US.

Today, on Holy Saturday, the time between Jesus’ death on the cross, and His victory over the grave tomorrow, I can’t help but put myself there and walk through the range of emotions.

It is our sins against God that crucified Jesus that Friday vs. 4 and David calls his own sin what it is – evil.

Against you, you only, have I sinned
    and done what is evil in your sight;

I wonder how quickly we would have realized this and sought forgiveness and change. Would it have been the very next day, on Saturday?  Would we have prayed vs. 10?

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

And then to wake up Sunday morning and learn that HE IS ALIVE! Would we really believe? Would we spend the rest of our days living in the JOY that salvation brings (vs. 10)?

Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

How would our lives be different if we lived everyday with the utmost JOY for Jesus conquering the grave and the utmost JOY for our salvation?

Crucified

2 Samuel 18 articulates the events that lead to the death of King David’s son Absalom.

Absalom rebelled against King David, waging war against him with the hope to take over the throne. Absalom ultimately hung on a tree alive then had three javelins thrust into his heart. King David mourned deeply for the demise of his son. It was a broken relationship, and much like most broken relationships, sin was at the heart of it all.

Like Absalom, we’ve all gone astray. We rebel, wage wars, seek selfish results, we have broken relationships, and we even put others at risk when with our sin, just like Absalom.

Today, Good Friday 2018 we reflect on another man who hung on a tree because of sin. Except the sin he was paying for was not his own; his name was Jesus and he was innocent.

Matthew 27 provides an account of Jesus being brought to trial, the crucifixion and his death. Can I ask you to read this today aloud with friends and/or family to reflect on who Jesus was and the price he paid to set us free from the bondage, death, and separation of sin?

Today’s reading: 2 Samuel 18 & Psalm 50

Bitterness

Today’s reading:  2 Samuel 17, Psalm 49

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Bitterness is defined as anger and disappointment resulting from unfair treatment; resentment. The definition of malice is the intention or desire to do evil; ill will.  Our scripture in 2 Samuel 17 today is a great illustration of the destruction caused when people hang on to bitterness and eventually allow it to turn into malice.

Earlier in the reign of King David, Ahithophel had been one of David’s most trusted advisers. In 2 Samuel chapters 15 and 16 this week, however, we saw him begin to take a lead part in Absalom’s revolt against David. What happened to turn Ahithophel from a trusted advisor in to an enemy?  Bitterness and malice.  In addition to being the King’s counselor, Ahithophel was also Bathsheba’s grandfather.  Because of David’s adulterous behavior with Bathsheba, his arrangement of Uriah’s death, and the family heartache it caused, Ahithophel was bitter with David.

In 2 Samuel 17, Ahithophel turned his bitterness into a plan to kill David.  Instead of just executing the plan, Absalom decided to get a second opinion from Hushai.  While Ahithophel’s plan was clearly more logical and would have resulted in fewer casualties, Absalom didn’t choose it.  Why?  Verse 14 tells us the Lord intervened in order to frustrate Ahithophel’s plan and bring disaster on Absalom.  What Absalom failed to recognize was that King David was still God’s chosen leader, and Hushai was still loyal to him.

When Ahithophel recognized that Hushai had outwitted him by getting Absalom to accept a plan that ultimately gave David the advantage, he foresaw the Absalom’s defeat. Verse 23 tells us that Ahithophel responded by going home, getting his things in order, and then hanging himself.  Ahithophel’s bitterness provoked him to create a plan to kill David, but in the end, Ahithophel was the one who ended up paying the ultimate price.

The moral of the story – God’s plans will always prevail.

Do you sometimes feel like you haven’t been treated fairly? I know I do.  Even though I’ve tried to do what was right, it isn’t uncommon for me to feel like I’ve gotten the short end of the stick.  Fortunately I have never found myself being bitter to the point of plotting murder, but overcoming bitterness and resentment after feeling like a victim of dishonesty and manipulation is really hard.  Taking the high road and choosing to forgive over harboring bitterness and seeking some kind of revenge is God’s plan, but often a place I cannot easily get to on my own.

Fortunately we serve an incredibly patient God who loves us and has our best interest in mind.  We can forgive others because he forgave us first.  We can love others because he loved us first.  Hanging on to bitterness and resentment eventually results in self-destruction.  Today, will you let go and trust God to help you make a different choice?  We may not have clarity on what every step of the journey will bring, but the final outcome is definitely certain.  God’s plans will prevail.  Always.

Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall (Psalm 55:22).

Today’s reading is from 2 Samuel 16 and Psalm 48

This has been a stressful week. I’m weary. Some of my weariness is a direct result of my own poor decisions and other things have been out of my control.  As I read this passage in 2 Samuel I sense a weariness in David. He’s tired of running from his  son Absalom. Tired of hearing stories of people turning on him. Ziba stops him on the road with news that Mephibosheth has plans to get his grandfather Sauls kingdom back. Mephibosheth! He was the one David took in and cared for after Sauls death. How disheartening it must have been to hear this news. Then he has to endure Shimei’s insults and rock throwing for a thing that he didn’t do. Harsh criticism from someone without all the facts. David knew this and because of it he didn’t fight back. He says in verses 11-12, “My own son is trying to kill me. Shouldn’t this relative of Saul have even more reason to do so? Leave him alone and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to do it. And perhaps the Lord will see that I’m being wronged and will bless me because of these curses”. Weary,  but faithfully moving forward. Praying for a blessing.

Then in verses 15-23, Ahithophel told Absalom to sleep with all David’s concubines while he was away. This fulfilled the prophecy from Nathan that another man would sleep with his wives.

I would say this is a low point for David. Some of it because of his sin and some out of his control. And while enduring the rocks and cursing he prayed God would bless him through it. He quietly endured.

Are you weary and beaten down by sin or circumstances out of your control? Are there rocks being thrown at you in the form of stress, illness, financial strain, marital difficulties? Perhaps your job hangs in the balance of something out of your control. It’s ok to be weary. But don’t lose heart. Go to the source of peace and truth ….. Jesus. Matthew 28:11-30 “Come to me, all who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yolk upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yolk fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.”

Shelly

 

Family Implications

There are many times children imitate their parents.  I remind myself and other parents that in most cases you will be the number one earthly influence on your child’s life.  Children will only do what they know.  Thankfully, there is a Heavenly Father that is always present to have the biggest influence on this earthly life that will leave eternal implications.

Today’s Readings: 2 Samuel 15 and Psalm 47

As we continue to read through 2 Samuel 15 we read about Absalom, the third son of David with wife Maacah. As we continue through 2 Samuel, family troubles were mounting for David, and Absalom had just murdered Anaan. Now he wanted to use his leadership to take over the kingdom of his father, David.  David’s family was falling apart. The beginning of 2 Samuel 15 you see how Absalom uses his qualities of beauty and people skills to exalt himself, and not listen for God.  2 Samuel 15:1-6 shows Absalom selfishly providing for himself, and persuading others to appointed him judge of the land.  In 2 Samuel 15:10 he sends out secret messengers to tell others to say “Absalom reigneth in Hebron“! These actions by Absalom make me reflect on a couple verses.

John 3:30 (ESV) He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Galatians 1:10 (ESV) For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

In Matthew 23:11-12 Jesus says, ” The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

The difference we have read and know is that when we are putting ourselves and the desire for power before a relationship with God,  sooner than later our plans will fail against His. Self-destruction can happen when we listen to the world and do things according to our accord and not His.  There are many times this has happened to me, there are times when I think I have it figured out on my own and make a decision that revolves around myself and what I believe my goals should be; yet, God reminds me in His ways that I need to be walking with Him. Praying, Asking, Trusting.

Our focus should be on Him and not ourselves.  When I’m wrong, which I know can be often, I need to confess to God and ask for forgiveness.  Absalom was on the fast track to success, but he lacked the most important thing in His life and his leadership. That was a loving, trusting, and submissive relationship with God. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to the last few weeks on Leadership 101 by Mike Baker I highly recommend it. Click: Leadership 101.

As we read through Psalm 47 I’m reminded by the theme God is King of the world.  isn’t that awesome news.  That no matter our circumstances, God is in control.

This week as we head into Good Friday and Easter Sunday truly focus on Jesus.  I’m reminded of the movie Passion of the Christ and even though Jesus was letting His disciples know the end was near for Him, they didn’t believe. Jesus made promises, Jesus kept them.   Just like He told them He would die and come back to life,  He did.  Jesus says He will come back again.  He will.  He’s Alive! If there is someone that doesn’t know about Jesus coming back again would you let them know?

Have a wonderful day, have a wonderful week.  God is King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and His plans include us in closeness with Him.  What glorious days!

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

 

References

Picture: Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry, Folio 173v – The Entry into Jerusalem the Musée Condé, Chantilly.

David Jeremiah Study Bible

Tyndale Life Application Study Bible

Be Still

Todays Readings: 2 Samuel 14; Psalm 46

This is the beginning of Holy Week. We begin the preparations of Easter and Resurrection Sunday this week. We are taking time to reflect more on the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. I am excited to be able to witness this time of reflection and renewal with you. Psalm 46 expresses the heart of the week and this season of Lent and Easter.

Psalm 46:

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present[b] help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. 

 This is one of my many favorite passages throughout the bible. I love reading and mediating on these words. The power that is contained in these lines is substantial and appropriate for all weeks, especially this Holy Week.   The images that I have for this day are:

  • Christ coming into the city before Passover (Luke 19:38-44) (verse 1&2)
  • The crowds of people praising him. (Verse 8)
  • Christ knowing that the Father has ordained the way. (Verse 10)

Sin and Consequences

 

Todays reading: 2 Samuel 13 and Psalms 45

Have you had a chance to open your Bible and read 2 Samuel 13 yet? If you have not had the chance, go ahead, open your Bible, and give it a read…

Well, how do you feel? Feel like you just turned on your TV and watched some show that you know is not appropriate?? When I began reading this chapter, I thought, “Seriously?? I do not want to have to write about this!!!” It is eye-opening to read about such sinful, horrible acts that took place back in David’s day and to realize that not much has changed in todays culture. Think Tamar would have joined in the #metoo movement of today???

Here is a quick synopsis of who’s who in this 13th chapter:

Amnon – the firstborn son of King David and Ahinoam
Absalom – son of King David and Princess Maakah, of Geshur
Tamar – daughter of King David and Princess Maakah, of Geshur
Jonadab – son of King David’s brother, Shimeah

Both Absalom and Tamar were very attractive and had luxurious hair. Absalom was the most handsome man in all of Israel. Tamar was a very beautiful girl who remained a virgin. Amnon was in love with his half-sister, Tamar, lust raged in him. However, he could not get near her. Jonadab, son of King David’s brother devised a scheme and asked Amnon to lie down in his bed, pretending to be sick. When king David visited him, he was to request the king to send Tamar to cook food for him. The plan worked and the king did so. When Tamar gave him the cooked food, he caught hold of her. Tamar pleaded with him, saying “No, do not force me!” Amnon gave no attention to her words. Using his physical strength, he subdued her and raped her, against her wish. After his lust was gratified, he hated her more than he loved her earlier. He then insisted that she get out of his sight and leave immediately. Tamar begged again that he not to do this to her, but Amnon would not listen to her words. She was dragged out of his chamber by means of force and the door was shut.
When Tamar’s brother Absalom learned about the disgrace that was brought upon his sister, he waited for the right opportunity to take revenge. He pacified Tamar and asked her to stay calm. King David learned about this incident and did not take any action or issue any punishment.
After two years, when Amnon was drunk, Absalom killed him. He then fled to Geshur, his mother’s place and stayed for three years.
King David mourned due to this sad incident, the death of Amnon and now, because of the absence of Absalom.

After forcing myself to spend some time on this chapter, I have a few thoughts…

In the chapters leading up to this, we read of David being such a Godly man. He upheld King Saul and Jonathan and treated them with kindness, even though he had reason to act otherwise. But then, we see his humanness evolve in chapter 12. David marred the image of God’s love by taking Bathsheba, another man’s wife. Then the whole thing snowballed out of control as his whole family was caught up in the injustice. In the previous chapter, 2 Samuel 12:11 says, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight.’” This is the beginning of the consequences that will be upon David’s family for the sin he committed.

Whose advice do you take and listen to?? In this text, we see that Amnon listens to Jonadab in verse 5 and takes his advice to pretend he is sick in bed. Jonadab comes up with a scheme so that Amnon can fulfill his lusts for his sister, Tamar. People can lead us into trouble. Before taking the advice from a person, we need to closely watch the personality and character of the person we are seeking advice from. It is so important to keep wise counsel. Psalm 1:1 says, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers”

I remember when my kids were in middle school and we were just beginning to really deal with peer pressure and using the phrase, “if someone asked you to jump off a building, would you do it?” We tried to bring reality to a situation and to help them stop and think before they acted. I do not think that Amnon stopped to think about what he was about to do. He acted on his lust. If we stop for a moment and whisper a prayer for guidance, our steps may change. Imagine if David would not have given in to his temptation of Bathsheba. This might have changed the whole direction of his family and they would not have had to endure the consequences of his sin. God forgives our sin, but we still have to deal with the consequences.

This Word of God is here in explicit detail to teach us that sin has consequences. Yes, you can be forgiven for the act of your sin, but you will face the consequences of the sin committed.  The great news of the gospel is that we do not need to suffer the wrath of God for our sin. Jesus Christ has already paid the penalty for all of us. 1 Corinthians 15:3 says, “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures”.  We have the choice to receive His free gift of forgiveness and eternal life.