MONDAY 14 March, 2016

Under False Pretenses

Then Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill; and when the king came to see him, Amnon said to the king, “Please let Tamar my sister come and make a couple of cakes for me in my sight, that I may eat from her hand.” - 2 Samuel 13:6

Amnon lacked wisdom. He foolishly went ahead and acted on the wicked advice Jonadab gave to him. The plan to trap his sister was in progress. In that culture, the king’s daughters had their own quarters and were given servants. They were completely protected and kept safe, no one would have been able to harm them. Tamar would have remained unseen but somehow Amnon got to see her. Notice, David should have had discernment and recognized something was wrong.

It is terrible to think about the many cases of daughters being raped by their fathers or even their brothers. Anything is possible in the world today. We are shocked when molestation happens even in a church, but it happens. Every measure should be taken to protect vulnerable children and even adults. Parents, pastors, teachers and leaders must do all that they can to make sure children are safe in church, school, at the play-ground or even at a friend’s house.

As Christians, we have the power of prayer. We need to continually pray for our children to be protected from those who have evil hearts and intents to hurt them. We may not always be able to be with our children but God is, and He will protect them. Proverbs 14:26 promises: In the fear of the Lordis strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

Is God speaking to you? If you still have a problem with lust you need to go to God before it is too late.

One of the marks of spiritual rebellion is deviousness.
~Jan Barclay~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!