Chronological Reading Plan for May 14, 2 Sam 13-15

Today's readings are 2 Sam 13-15. Tomorrow's are Psalms 3, 4, 12, 18, 28, 55. 

David has been forgiven of his sin but there are still consequences he must live with.  None of them are eternal but they are a struggle nonetheless. One of his sons, Amnon, burns with the same consuming lust David had, ultimately raping his half-sister Tamar. Amonon has a conscience and his guilt causes him to send her away to her brother, Absolom's, house. In time, Absolom kills Amnon, setting of another chain of events. David has no control over his sons,  just as Eli and Samuel had no control over theirs. Banished by David, Absolom flees to Gershur to stay with his grandfather, leaving David to mourn Amnon. Keep your eye on Absolom. Notice how God will use an evil, ungodly person to accomplish His will. 

Joab sends a woman to David who pulls a Nathan (2 Sam 12) on him, causing David to realize he should be merciful toward Absalom. Absalom returns to Jerusalem where he begins to plot to steal the kingdom from David. David flees Jerusalem. What an incredible turn of events! All of this began with David being where he did not belong, at home while kings went out to war.

David's sin has done what invading armies were unable to do, throw the kingdom into turmoil and division. God forgives our sins and restores us into relationship with Him, just like He did with David, but there may be earthly consequences. 

Furthermore, we, like David, love our children and have great influence on them, positive and negative. Still, we are not responsible for their actions as adults since we are unable to control them and mold them. Only God can do that.