Miracle Moment

King David had many children; two of them were Absalom and Amnon. The boys were born from different mothers; Absalom also had a sister named Tamar. Amnon liked Tamar and had devised a way to get her alone, he then raped her. Instead of doing the right thing by Tamar, he compiled his sin; he shamed her by sending her away. When her brother Absalom found out he was furious, he hated him. The news of Amnon’s actions came to King David and although he was extremely angry, he never corrected the wrong that was done. And you thought your family was dysfunctional!

From the day of the event, Absalom plotted in his heart how he could get to Amnon. Two years later he arranged a feast for all of his brothers. At this feast he had Amnon killed. Absalom went on the run and stayed away for three years in the land of Geshur. Joab, seeing how King David was missing his son, set him up with an old lady telling him a story similar to his own (concerning his banished son). He granted clemency for her son to return home without retribution. She says, like the prophet Nathan did, “You are the man.” They always get David with the heart wrenching stories. What a compassionate guy he was. He allows Absalom to return home. Absalom begins sitting in the gate talking to people that have issues. He’d tell them that if the king only had time or had someone designated, then the king could take care of their problems, but, if only someone like himself (Absalom) were king then he would ensure that their needs were taken care of. Just undercutting his dad, and with this method he eventually becomes a threat to David because he has won the hearts of the people. Absalom staged a grand coup, including innocent, influential people in his scam so as to reinforce his take over and cause it to appear conclusive. David hears about it and goes on the run with his people.

Of course, all of this is playing out as a consequence of his sin with Bathsheba, but nothing is written in stone. There’s a great possibility that all of this could have been avoided had David dealt with the issue at hand when it was brought to his attention. You know sometimes you can allow things to work themselves out, but there are times when you must confront a dilemma and deal with it head on. Since David didn’t provide justice for Tamar and correction for Amnon, not only as a father but as the king, it opened the door for Absalom’s disrespect and ultimate rebellion.

If there is serious sin at your door, you must draw the line and confront it. If not, you will find it wheedling its way throughout your entire life until it just absolutely blows up. Some things are not going to work themselves out; some things are not going to just “go away.” As hard as confrontation is for some folks, there will be times when it must be done, or you may find yourself running away.

PRAYER:

Father, I pray You will give me the boldness, wisdom and strength to confront issues or sin that may need to be dealt with swiftly. Teach me how to hear Your voice and how to move with Your Spirit. I thank You for King David’s life stories and examples, I pray I will heed the warnings and instruction that they give. I appreciate how real You are, how You aren’t afraid or ashamed to show the humanity of Your people, it helps me to identify and press on in areas of my own life. I love You Lord and pray that I will always bring You glory, even in my mistakes. Amen.