2 Samuel 13:1-39
Every time I read the story of Amnon and Tamar in 2 Samuel 13:1-39, I get angry and then sad. From start to finish, this is a sin-filled story. It starts with Jonadab (with a friend like this, who needs enemies?) then on to Amnon, and finally Absalom.
So what does this account show us about sin--about its influence? Its reach? Its draw? How will you use what you learned about sin from 2 Samuel 13:1-39 to help you combat it? Tami W.
For me, the biblical account captures how to deal with your basic desires. Amnon didn't start out with sin, he started out with a desire (inappropriate desire maybe). I missed Wood's broadcast so i hope I am not just reteirating what he has said, but the bible in this account, has shown me that desires are natural. . . they come with being human. However, while having a desire may be natural, how we act out on that desire is what determines sin and/or righteosness. One of the first things i see in the story is the need of having proper resources or guides in handling desires, the Creator. . . who designed us and all we know, has given us these resources in and through scripture, Christ, the Holy Spirit etc. so we ought to look to him first and those of us who are focused on looking at his manual for guidance. Jonadad looked inward for guidance, he used his own concsience(or lack thereof), Amnon looked outward to Jonadab. . . but nobody in the story was looking upwards to God. Father, I pray this morning that you will teach us, remind us to look to you, that there may be fluency between all we desire and all that you will
I get so much from this account.But what I'm most left wondering is where is David's guidance and influence as a God fearing father?After Tamar's attack David as father should have help put this out on the table and deal with it before it got out of hand.We have a very important job as parents to lead our children the best we can.I can't help feeling and I think I have read somewhere before,that David was a absent father for the most part.I know our children will not always listen or like what we say but just as influence comes from the world so should influence come from home especially if it's a Christain home.
Oh this passage. So familiar. There's a still, small voice that gives me the impression of "That's not so good" or "It's better not to do that" when I think of some kind of revenge or means of getting even with someone. I pray and seek guidance from other believers. Sin will always bring death. It causes pain and suffering to not only me but those I love. It can rob me of everything I've worked for and all that I love. Except it cannot rob me of my Jesus. He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother (in my case, a sister). I need to look to Him and accept His guidance.
DR. Woodroll Kroll said that there are four elements to sin first the sight then the desire after come the take and finally the involvement of others, today we see that happening again with David's children. something that could been avoided went totally out of hand.i believe that the outcome of the situation would still be the same if David did even intervene into it, because each persons involved minds were already made up.what i take from this is that there is the tendency to desire what we should have in the place and that should not be the case.
Jesus says in Matthew (Ithink?Dont call Vegas + book it yet!)If we don't forgive those who've offended us then God won't forgive us either!Its pretty tough to do with some people I admit!Still we forgive them so God will advance us on in our lives!Also remember that story in the bible where a debtor owed a certain person money & another 1 owed money & this 1 guy wouldnt forgive this guys debt despite it was such a small amount,the king overheard this + became just livid & had that guy sent back to prison for not forgiving this other guy owing him such a measly sum!And also if we fail to forgive God will not hear our prayer(s)+ to top it off he'll withhold our blessings as well!If you have trouble forgiving someone,ask God to help you + he will!!!!!!
The sin can get so deep and so many people get involved and nothing is talked about because they think there is no need to take care of the problem at hand. That is also why we should be with christian friends in our lives so we get better advice then Amnon got from his family member. I knew about a family that it happened to but no one would say anything because they didn't want to get a family member in trouble. So who knows how many others that person hurt because no one wants to say anything.
This passage shows me that sin creeps up on us especially when we are vulnerable so we have to make sure each day we put on the whole armour of God to get through each day. Temptation is no respector of persons. Everyone is prone to sin but if we walk in God's Word daily we are more likely to ward off temptation. Because we are human then something might sneak through but we have to remember that Jesus died for this very cause and we have to trust Him and as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:13 "There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." KJV
So we should stay away from any persons who are worldly and will try to lead us astray and keep in God's Word and believe in Him.
Seneca, you are so on target. David was not the greatest dad, and we see this coming out even with his relationship with his other son Absolam.