November 21, 2019

It is safe to say that 2 Samuel 13 is the account of one of the most tragic stories in the whole Bible. When we read this story we often ask “ Why God…?” Accounts of real events like this in Scripture can often lead us to question the character of God. Though I understand that, it should not. Scripture is a historical book. Not everything written in it is endorsed by God but used by God to help us be better followers of Him. God does not make us robots. Sin is real. So the question is not “Why  God…?” BUT “Why humanity…?” and when we encounter stories like this we need to seek to see (1) why we need God (2) how to live for Him and (3) how Jesus is the solution to our sin. 

This is an account of Tamar and Amnon. Amnon is King David’s son and is in love with his sister Tamar. He devises a plan to rape her though she was just trying to take care of her “sick” brother. This sin turned his “love” for his sister into hate. When his Father, King David, heard he was angry but did nothing. This led to Amnon’s brother Absolom to take matters into his own hands and commit murder and flee. Situational brokenness. Family brokenness.

In this story we learn that our sin brings brokenness to ourselves and others, including our family and that a father matters to the family.

1. David’s SIN with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12)

This is not a coincidence. Kids are watching parents. They are learning. Often what parents do in moderation kids will do in excess. David was wrong. Amnon took this to a whole new level. David thought this sin might have just affected him. He was wrong. No doubt, even through repentance, this sin caused family dysfunction.

2. Amnon PLOTS and SINS (2 Samuel 13:1-14)

The sin in Amnon’s heart came out into his hands as it always will. This hurt himself (v. 15-16), this hurt her (v. 17-19), and this hurt their family (v. 20-22). Sin is ALWAYS bigger than just us.

3. David did NOTHING (v. 21-22)

David, in this circumstance, was an absent father. Whether it was because he was reminded of his sin, he didn’t know how to respond, he didn’t know how to lead in this, he was too busy, or he just didn’t care (I don’t think this is the case based on v.21)… he was silent and this cost him and his family dearly. The dysfunction didn’t fix itself, it grew. It culminated in murder. You think David would have learned the first time to address sin head on.  This story is clear… In our brokenness and trauma we need the hope of Jesus.

We need Jesus in our brokenness & trauma to…

1. BREAK the chains of our fathers (2 Samuel 13:1-14)
2. DECLARE worth to our souls ( 2 Samuel 13:15-20)
3. GIVE us a voice we have not earned (2 Samuel 13:21-22)
4. STAND with us while we reap what we sow (2 Samuel 13:23-39)

Whether we are the one who committed the sin or we are the recipient of the sin of someone else, we can look at Jesus… the God who breaks chains, declares worth, gives us a voice, and stands with us because of his life, death, and resurrection. 

We can cling to the promise in Hebrews 13:5,

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

And 2 Timothy 2:13,

“When we are faithless, He remains faithful – for He cannot deny Himself.”

1. Where do you need the healing of God in your life?
2. Pray and lay it at the feet of Jesus. 

By: Nick Parsons — Pastoral Ministry Associate: College