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2 Samuel 12:26-31; 1 Chronicles 20:2-3; 2 Samuel 13:1-14:33<\/strong><\/span> Old Testament<\/strong> \u2013 Second Samuel chapter 13 is a sad chapter to read in so many ways!\u00a0 Amnon is David\u2019s first born son, so he is heir to the throne at this point.\u00a0 Absalom is David\u2019s third born son \u2013 but at this point he may have been second in line to the throne because David\u2019s 2nd born son, Kileab, was only mentioned once and may have died young.\u00a0 You\u2019ll note that there are unfortunately are some parallels in David\u2019s sin with Bathsheba and Uriah with his 2 sons\u2019 behavior in this chapter.\u00a0 David sinned sexually with Bathsheba \u2013 Amnon sinned sexually against Tamar in a horrible way.\u00a0 David sinned by ordering the murder of Uriah.\u00a0 Absalom sinned by ordering the murder of Amnon.\u00a0 Unfortunately we see a pattern of \u201clike father, like sons\u2026\u201d in this chapter.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think this always has to be the case in our human condition \u2013 I do believe we can be redeemed and transformed and not act in sinful ways like our parents may have acted.\u00a0 But, I also do believe we need Jesus to save us from ourselves \u2013 in this regard of breaking the cycle\/pattern of sin and in all regards.\u00a0 Below is an illustration by Gerard Hoet from the year 1728 titled \u201cAbsalom\u2019s Servants kill his brother Amnon at a Feast\u201d:<\/span><\/p>\n Well..\u00a0 this is a tough couple of chapters to read today!\u00a0 On one hand we see David showing much grace to Absalom and meanwhile Absalom is plotting to rebel against his father and then does so!\u00a0 At first glance it makes me wonder what on earth was David thinking?\u00a0 Why did he bring Absalom back to Jerusalem?\u00a0 But, I believe David was doing the right thing.\u00a0 Absalom was his son.\u00a0 David was trying to restore that relationship.\u00a0 I think about this with people in my life who have maybe \u201cstung\u201d me in some way.\u00a0 On the one hand I want to write them off \u2013 believing that they will sting me again.\u00a0 And maybe they will\u2026\u00a0 but, I don\u2019t think writing people off is healthy ultimately for me and I don\u2019t think it is the right thing to do.\u00a0 I think showing grace, forgiveness and compassion is the right thing to do.\u00a0 I think David did this \u2013 and then he wisely got out of town when he realized Absalom was up to no good!\u00a0 So, he didn\u2019t completely let Absalom walk all over him.\u00a0 He still used wisdom.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know\u2026\u00a0 this is a tough couple of chapters.\u00a0 What do you think?\u00a0 Did David do the right thing by bringing Absalom back to Jerusalem?\u00a0 Do you see any parallels in your life where someone has stung you \u2013 and then perhaps stung you again?\u00a0 Was it still maybe the right thing to do to show them grace and forgiveness?\u00a0 And maybe even to do so again?\u00a0 Below is twentieth century Russian painter Marc Chagall\u2019s \u201cDavid and Absalom\u201d from today\u2019s readings in 2 Samuel 14:33 \u2013 \u201cSo Joab came to the king, and told him; and when he called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Bible.org\u2019s commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled \u201cTragedy in the Royal Family\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span> and \u201cAbsalom\u201d<\/strong> is at this link<\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Worship Video:<\/strong> Our readings today reminded me of FFH\u2019s song \u201cUndone:\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \n
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