2 Samuel 16 to 18

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%2016-18&version=NIV

In chapters 16 to 18 of 2 Samuel, we read of the death of David’s son Absalom.

David is reaping what he sowed. Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”

David sowed to the flesh, and he is now reaping the sins of this sowing. This is such a sad story. Even though Absalom was in rebellion against David, David still loved Absalom. When he tells Joab, Abishai and Ittai to go out to quell the rebellion he reminds them to "Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake."

The death of Absalom is a partial fulfillment of what Nathan prophesied to David after the Bathsheba incident. (See 2 Samuel 12:9-12)

Sin is a stain on our relationship with the Lord and on us, and it often has ramifications that we can’t even begin to fathom. As Carol wrote a few days back, a glance turned into adultery and murder.

We must kill sin in our lives. We must fight the weak promises (although they do appear strong to us sometimes, do they not!!) of sin with the superior promises of faith.

Paul writes,

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” (Colossians 3:5-10)

You know, we can live in sin and think it is not affecting anyone. The truth of the matter it is affecting others, whether we see it or not. Stay away from sin and cling to God.

This is just the start of what David was to experience due to his dalliance with sin in the Bathsheba affair.

Let it be a strong warning to all of us that our sins can also lead to consequences that may affect others.

Repent of your sin, place your trust in Christ, and run hard after Him. This is the only way we can win the battle against sin.

”It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy.”

(Roman’s 9:16)

Soli Deo Gloria.

Today’s post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.