Wed.’s Devo - Christ in Us

Read: 2 Samuel 13:1-39; John 17:1-26; Psalm 119:81-96; Proverbs 16:6-7 David’s first born son was Amnon. His third born son was Absalom. Absolom had a sister named Tamar. Amnon lusted after Tamar to the point of depression. Amnon’s cousin Jonadab was the son of David’s brother Shimea. *** Jonadab was in the middle of this whole story controlling the narrative. He saw how affected Amnon was and orchestrated a deceptive plan so that Amnon could spend some time with Tamar. *** Absalom played sick and had Tamar come to his bedroom and feed him. As discerning as David was on the battlefield, he was oblivious to the battle going on in his own family. He approved Tamar going to take care of Amnon. *** Instead of wooing Tamar, Amnon raped her and then hated her and sent her out. She went home humiliated and disgraced. Absalom and David were both upset, though nothing was done about it for two years. *** Hatred leads to murder and Absalom had never forgiven his brother for what he did to Tamar. It was time to celebrate after the sheep-shearing. Absalom had sheep and asked David and his servants to come to his celebration. David was grateful for the invitation but declined because there were so many of his servants. Then Absalom asked if Amnon could come. David probably sensed something was up so he sent all his sons thinking Amnon would be safe if all his brothers were there. *** Absalom had Amnon killed but word came to David that all his sons had been killed. I wonder if Jonadab sent this message, because Jonadab showed up to then be the bearer of good news. Not all the king’s sons were killed - just Amnon. He explained to David that Absalom had been plotting Amnon’s death ever since he raped Tamar. *** If Jonadab knew that Absalom had been plotting Amnon’s death, why hadn’t he warned Amnon since he was supposed to be Amnon’s friend. *** Meanwhile, Absalom fled to his grandfather’s house in Geshur to stay with him, who just happened to be the son of the king there. He stayed in Geshur for three years. David mourned the death of Amnon, his first born but after a while longed to be reconciled with Absalom. *** In John, Jesus had told his disciples everything he needed to say so he then began talking to his Father so they could hear. He asked God to glorify him so he could give his glory back to Him. God had given him authority over everyone God had given him and he, Jesus had given eternal life to them by bringing them to God. *** Jesus had given glory to God on earth through his life, and now he longed to return to his Father in heaven. His prayer was that God protect his followers like he had kept him on the earth. Jesus had faithfully brought them out of the world and now the world hates them. Jesus prayed that God would keep them safe from the evil one. He prayed that God would make them holy by truth and teach them his word which is the truth. Jesus was giving himself as a sacrifice for them so they could be made holy. *** Jesus prayed this prayer not only for them, but for us and all who would follow him throughout all the generations. Jesus prayed that we would be one as he and the Father are one. This is how the world will believe Jesus came from God. *** We have been given the glory God gave Jesus. The Father’s love for Jesus has been given to us because Jesus is in us. He loves us as he loved Jesus. That is amazing! *** Lord, may our lives reflect our love for you. May Jesus be the one who shines brightest in our lives. May we never feel alone, because we are never alone.