King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: No Condemnation
Date: Wednesday April 04, 2012
Today's Chapters: 2 Samuel 14-16

Hello My Friend,

The word condemnation means, the act of condemning, the judicial act of declaring one guilty, and dooming him to punishment. Condemnation sounds scary and it is if you do not personally know Jesus Christ as your Savior or have never allowed Christ to be Lord of your life after you got saved. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” - Romans 8:1-4.

While those who have lost their way with God or never done anything other than get saved still have a place in heaven, it really does not make them feel like they are saved from condemnation when they do not have that personal relationship with Christ. The guilt and shame of sin alone brings the thought of condemnation itself and if one does not seek and accept forgiveness it will destroy their relationships with everyone around them, such is the case with David. That one act of physical weakness practically destroyed his relationship with his family and his kingdom. Now, he longs to make amends with his son, Absalom, who fled for protection under the law.

“And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again. And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant. So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king's face. But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.” - 2 Samuel 14:21-25.

David really did not make amends with his son, he never even confronted him about the matter, which only gave Absalom further fuel to add to the fire which he had in him to take the throne from his father. The sad thing through all this is that there is not one mention of David or any of his children seeking help or guidance from God. You know, once forgiven, always forgiven, but unless we confess our sins all it does is add more fuel to the fire for more disaster ahead. We cannot undo past sins, failures, or wasted time in depression or sorrow for them, but we can do something about today. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” - 1 John 2:1,2.

Because David did not handle things properly with Absalom, things unfolded quickly, just like Nathan, the prophet, warned him. Absalom cunningly got the disgruntled and rebellious people to trust him over David, ten tribes sided with Absalom, even David's trusted advisers were walking away from him to join Absalom. “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!” - 2 Samuel 15:1-4.

This is just the wickedness of politics, they will tell the right people what they want to hear, show up with gifts, and before you know it they are elected and destroying everything. This is the reason why God says, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” - Romans 16:17,18.

Soon the shocking news that Absalom had the trust of the people reached David, all David could think to do was go to a place where there would be no war in Jerusalem. He gathered up his family and those who stayed by his side and headed for the hills. “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... And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house...And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation: But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.” - 2 Samuel 15:14,16,25,26.

It is sad to read about king David, the man who defeated Goliath, lead his army through victory after victory, acknowledging God through it all, fleeing in fear of his own beloved son. Brokenhearted, running barefoot down the rocky, rugged hills and up to the Mount of Olives, weeping, David knew where he was going though, he was going to the one place where he could reach safety and avoid bloodshed in Jerusalem, which was the City of God. Something amazing happened though during that time, David realized that all this was in God's will, “And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.” - 2 Samuel 16:11,12.

As David was fleeing Jerusalem, Absalom was heading for it, seizing everything his father had. David could have questioned God, but he knew that all this was the result of what had happened when he sinned with Bathsheba and was now suffering the consequences as Nathan had prophesied. There is a time to fight and a time to surrender, there is a time for peace and a time for war, there is a time for rewards, and a time for punishment, it's all in God's time. We can avoid all needless suffering by keeping our eyes on the real prize, Jesus Christ. When we keep our eyes on Him we are less likely to fall into sin, to endure temptation and see God's blessings is much more satisfying than seeing them through chastening. “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ...Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” - 2 Timothy 2:3,15,16.

Today's Psalm: 109:31 - “For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul.”
Today's Proverb: 12:2 - “A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.”
Today's Prayer: God, It truly is a miracle that all we have to do to be saved from condemnation is to personally accept and receive Your Son, Jesus Christ as my Savior. He paid the price for me so I do not have to face the punishment of one single sin. Thank You, Jesus and that You God for sending Him. Lord, help me to let go of anything from my past that keeps me from living as a forgiven child of God. Let me use my life as a testimony to others to show them that they too are or can be a forgiven child of God. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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