Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule:
2 Samuel 10-14
After the prophet Nathan explained God’s judgment against David, the divine curse began its deadly work in David’s household. Amnon, David’s son, fell in love with his beautiful half-sister Tamar.Since the law forbade sexual relations between a man and his half-sister, Amnon had a choice to make. He could obey God and “get over” his emotional attraction to Tamar, or he could reject God and pursue his passions. Life is really a series of decisions.
Amnon had a wicked friend,Jonadab, who was the son of Shimeah. Jonadab was a very clever man. However, his “wisdom” was earthly, unspiritual, and of the devil. When Jonadab learned why Amnon looked haggard morning after morning because of lovesickness, he devised a crafty plan to help him achieve his sinful objective. Jonadab’s sinister plan could not have worked better. In the privacy of the bedroom Amnon gave full expression to his lustful intentions. Instead of accepting the medicinal bread prepared by Tamar, he grabbed the one who had prepared it. Then, in spite of the threefold prohibition in the law, he ordered his half-sisterto lie with him. Tamar refused her brother’s order. She asked him to consider the effects his actions would have on her life: it would humiliate her – that is, force her to live as a shamed woman in a world where honor was more important than life. Tamar also reminded him that his request was completely contrary to Israelite customs; it should not be done in Israel. In addition, she noted that his actions, if carried out, would brand him as one of the wicked fools in Israel. But Amnon rejected her wise counsel and refused to listen to her impassioned pleas. Using his brute strength, Amnon raped his half-sister. Amnon lived out the reason God counseled the blessed man to not walk in the counsel of the ungodly… because the way of the ungodly shall perish. (Psalm 1)
As soon as he had spent his passions, an entirely new set of emotions took over. Amnon’s lust-driven “love” turned to intense hatred. Tamar understood the devastating implications of Amnon’s actions toward her. Now that she had lost her virginity, she could never become the wife of one of the rich and desirable men whom her father would have arranged for her to marry. Her only possible marriage partner was now Amnon. If he refused to fulfill his duty, it would be a greater wrong than what he had already done to her.
Amnon played the part of a fool and eventually was killed by his brother Absalom. This tragic story reminds us to make wise decisions and beware of the lies of our flesh, the world, and the Devil.
Prayer Requests:
Personal
- Lord, please help me to acknowledge the deceit of my flesh and surround myself with wise counselors that reinforce the truths of your word.
- Lord, please help me to remember that sin always affects the lives of others, and help me be motivated to live a life of integrity.
- Lord, please help me to be a “blessed man” who enjoys the word of God and the pleasant fellowship the Holy Spirit brings.
Political
- Representative Tommy Brann – District 077 – Wyoming
- Senator Winnie Brinks – District 029 – Grand Rapids
- Representative Julie Brixie – District 069 – Meridian Township