Repentance of Sin 04.16.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday April 16, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of II Samuel. Please read Chapters 15-16 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Samuel%2015-16&version=9

In today's study we will read and learn about Absalom winning over national leaders; him leading a riot to overthrow David's reign; and David fleeing in fear of his son. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that our internal spiritual battles (lust) usually become external wars for years to come, but God is faithful and just to forgive all sins to those who call on Him.

The consequences of David's sin continue as his son Absalom violently strives to murder his father and take over his kingdom. Following his return from his three-year exile, he pretended to care for the people. Each day he would listen to their complaints at the gate and deceptively told them how he would improve the administration of justice if only he were king. His plot culminated as he gathered his forces to besiege Jerusalem. "And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!" (II Samuel 15:1-4).

Soon news reached David that the hearts of the men of Israel are committed to Absalom and David fled because of his concern for the safety of the Ark and the city of God. During this time, he had no thought of self-pity, bitterness, or revenge. David's great concern was to avoid bloodshed in Jerusalem, the City of God. "And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword." (15:14). The brokenhearted old king, left Jerusalem, running barefoot down the rocky, rugged hills to the Brook Kidron and up the Mount of Olives, weeping, fleeing Jerusalem in fear of his own beloved son. "And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up." (15:30).

After learning he had been betrayed by his trusted counselor, David committed himself to God. Then, he sent Hushai his longtime friend back to Jerusalem with instructions as to how he could become Absalom's adviser and, thus, refute Ahithophel's counsel. "And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head: Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me: But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel." (15:31-34).

David did not blame God for the many tragic experiences that happened after his great sin with Bathsheba. He had sinned and he knew he was now suffering the consequences as Nathan had prophesied (12:9-12). David now experienced his kingdom being shattered by civil war with all of its devastation and undoubtedly blamed himself. Little could David have realized when he beheld the beautiful Bathsheba, that one night of self-indulgence would bring such awful consequences. No one ever does. The results of our sins are inevitable and inescapable, for what ever a man sows, he shall also reap. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." (Galatians 6:7-8).

However, we can be exceedingly confident and grateful for the Lord's mercy, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:7-9).

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through David as he rebuked his followers when they wanted to execute his enemies, (II Samuel 16:10-11). When Jesus' disciples wanted to do the same, He rebuked them, "But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village." (Luke 9:55-56).

Today's Psalm: 119:67
"Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help us to be people who do not merely listen to Your Word or read it hastily. Help us to do what it says so that we will be blessed in all that we do. We receive Your favor and sense inner peace when we are obedient to You. Help us to look intently into Your Holy Word and apply its teaching so that we enjoy freedom from sin, unceasing joy, and the promise of eternity spent with You. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
God Bless,
Christina

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