Today, we conclude studying the Bible for the third straight month. You need to celebrate this accomplishment. A Lifeway study found 87% of Americans own a Bible but only 11% have read the entire book (1). I hope these devotionals are helping you keep on track.
Today we are going to talk about chapter 11, which we read yesterday, and then 12-14 which we read today. I didn’t jump in to the story of David and Bathsheba because it is very similar to the story of Amnon and Tamar, and even of Absalom and the woman from Tekoa.
All these incidents, happening in succession, teach us three important truths.
God is omniscient
People act according to their own impulses in each of the three cases. The lust of the flesh and access to power cause them to act selfishly. They believe they can get away with their actions because they are above the law. Their actions are not thought out, and because of this, they have left gaps.
My wife and I watch a lot (too much) of television. There is not much worth watching, but we will find shows on Netflix or Prime and binge one series after another. One of our favorite genres is detective shows.
One thing holds true in almost every plot. The criminal, no matter how clever, always makes a mistake that the detective figures out. This leads to their arrest and conviction.
A statistics compiled by The Sleep Judge point out that while most crime happens during the day, murders, rapes and robberies happen more frequently at night (2).
John 3:19 teaches us that men love darkness. They believe their actions will remain hidden.
Darkness does not prevent God from knowing our actions. He sees what David does from the privacy of his rooftop. He uses His messenger, Nathan, to expose the action.
Amnon believes getting Tamar alone in his bedroom will hide his raping her. It does not, and her brother takes vengeance for her.
Her brother, Absalom, thinks he can have his brothers carry out this punishment and then fleas. God is aware of all of it.
Absalom cannot return to his father’s house, but Joab uses this woman from Tekoa to expose the error.
Although some may escape earthly retribution for their actions, a judge will condemn them. God knows the truth at all times (1 John 3:20). God is the truth. (John 14:6)
Actions have consequences
The second truth we see in these situations is there are always consequences. Because God knows what we have done, He will hold us accountable.
This may happen after our death (see Heb 9:27). Thinking you can get away with it that long, there are two things you must know.
- After you die, there is no way to repent. Forgiveness is no longer an option. You will spend eternity in hell.
- Throughout your life, you may miss out on the fellowship and blessings God offers.
Living with guilt prevents us from grasping all that God intended for us.
I have found times in my life where I have lost that closeness with God. I am working harder than ever. I am running hard, but getting nowhere.
God removes obstacles for me daily, but when I am not walking with Him, those obstacles are endless.
Sin creeps into our lives and we avoid confronting it. Denying sin happened does not make it go away. All we do is drift for a season.
Our salvation is not in question if we have trust in Jesus. Our daily connection to the blessings of God can be.
The greatest theme of the Old Testament is Israel sinning, losing that connection to God, then repenting and being restored.
The same thing happens to us. This has been one of the “proofs” I know God is real. I have seen what His presence and absence looks like in my life.
It is like watching leaves on a tree. When the wind blows, even though we can’t see the wind, we know it is there because the leaves move. As the wind ceases, the leaves stop moving.
Forgiveness is possible
The third lesson we can take from these situations is that, with repentance, forgiveness is possible.
Repercussions continue; although David survived, Israel remains at war. Absalom returns, but not to full fellowship with his father.
While we have breath in our lungs, we must repent and place our trust in Jesus. We can ask for forgiveness and know we receive salvation. 1 John 1:9 tells us that if we confess, we have assurance of forgiveness.
Maybe you haven’t murdered, committed adultery, raped or robbed anyone. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7), Jesus teaches that hatred is murder, lust is adultery. Taking a grape from a grapevine may not seem like much, but without permission, it is still a robbery.
We all have sinned (Rom 3:23). Therefore, we all need a Savior.
Have you confessed your sins to God, and asked for His forgiveness? Have you trusted Jesus has paid the penalty for your sins?
