April 15

2 Samuel 13

Highlights In Today's Reading:

The far-reaching consequences of David's sin begin to be revealed in today's reading. We see an innocent daughter, a self-gratifying immoral son, then vengeance, scheming, deceitfulness, and even murder.

David is first deceived 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 David's godly example. David's daughter Tamar's life was ruined by the cruel rape of Amnon, who destroyed his half-sister to satisfy his own evil lust (13:14-15). The sudden change in his reaction from what he termed "love" for her to "hate" furnishes a striking proof that lust is not love. Lust, whether fulfilled or not, often turns to hatred.

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, the oldest living son of David and 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 Samuel 13:37-38).

The cesspool of sin is to be avoided since the results are sorrow, suffering, and separation from God. Parents can experience no greater suffering than to see their children living to please self instead of our Savior.

Christians are also assured 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) and we are reminded: Be not deceived (Galatians 6:7), sin will find you out (Numbers 32:23).

We all should be deeply grateful for the mercy of God. From beginning to end, the Bible is the history of God's redeeming love. God is still pleading with every sinner to repent, turn from sin, and wholeheartedly yield himself to Christ as Lord. As we yield our wills to the Lord and allow Him to mold our thoughts and activiities to conformity with His will we then 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:

Many people do not consider that their sinful actions have consequences not only here but for eternity. Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth (John 9:41).

Christ Revealed:

Through David's restoration of Absalom (II Samuel 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 Corinthians 5:19).

Word Studies:

13:4 lean =depressed, looking so wretched; 13:5 make thyself sick =pretend to be sick; 14:2 feign =pretend to be a mourner; 14:4 did obeisance =showed reverence; honor; 14:7 quench my coal which is left =destroy the last of my family; 14:11 suffer =allowed; 14:21 done this thing =granted your request; 14:26 polled his head =cut his hair.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs Pauline Johns • Staff: George Kopchak • Government Officials: Rep. Howard Berman (CA) and Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (MD) • Country: Liberia (3 million) in West Africa • Major languages: English and more than 20 local languages of the Niger-Congo language group • Religious freedom • 41% ancestor worship and witchcraft; 21% Muslim; 13% Protestant; 2% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that Christians would be united as Christ and God are one (John 17:11,21).

Optional Reading: Acts 16

Memory Verse for the Week: James 1:21