Read: 2 Samuel 13:1-39; John 17:1-26; Psalm 119:81-96; Proverbs 16:6-7
Today we see the power of lust. The source of lust is rejection. Even though Amnon was the king’s son he thought he was not worthy to have Tamar. Verse 2 says that she was beautiful and a virgin and Amnon thought he could never have her. The problem would have been so easy to solve. All Amnon had to do was ask his father, David for her. She even told him he would say ‘yes’, but his rejection kept him from following the right channels and do it the right way. His lust drove him to rape her, then hate her and himself for doing it.
David found out what had happened and did nothing. Absalom found out and when he saw that nothing was being done to discipline or punish Amnon, he grew bitter in his soul. Two years went by with the problem unresolved.
Absalom saw his opportunity for revenge and went for it. It was sheep-shearing time when everyone would get together and sheer the sheep then throw a big feast to celebrate. Absalom invited all of his family to his house for the party. David bowed out, but allowed all his sons to go. Absalom had plotted Amnon’s death and when he gave the command, his servants killed Amnon. The other sons fled in fear and word came to David that all his sons were killed. David was painfully sorrowful. Then word came that it was only Amnon that had died because of the rape of Tamar.
David’s sons returned and they all mourned Amnon’s death while Absalom fled to stay with his grandfather. After three years, David had reconciled with Amnon’s death and longed to see Absalom.
In John, Jesus is still with his disciples having his last words with them. He has finished talking to them and starts talking about them to his Father. He wants them to hear his prayer for them. He prays that his ministry would continue through these men. He prays for their protection from the evil, for his joy to fill them, for them to be made holy by God’s truth. He prayed all of this not only for them but for all who came after them. He gave us the glory he had been given that God might be in us and that we might experience perfect unity. Jesus promised to continue to reveal the Father to us so that God’s love would be in us and Jesus would be in us.
Lord, may your love be in us in a way that shows the world who you are and how much you love them.
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