Dearest e-votees-
Day twenty-three of our cover to cover voyage through the Bible. If you want to see the readings for our trip through the Bible you can follow this link:
Peace,
Karl
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Day 23 Readings: 2 Samuel 12:11-22-19
David and his family (as well as the families of many others) suffer as a result of his choices and his desires.
Uriah is killed and Bathsheba is widowed as David longs for his faithful soldier's wife. The child conceived in the illicit affair dies and brings deep grief to the parents. Amnon, perhaps learning from his father, forces himself on Tamar the sister of his brother Absalom. He violates her then despises her then casts her out. Absalom's men strike down Amnon. Absalom challenges David for the throne and by the time it is all over Absalom is hanging from a tree and run through with spears. David has lost 3 children thus far. When the Gibeonites are avenged for their treatment at the hands of Saul and his men 7 of Saul's male descendants are slaughtered and left exposed. Lust begets lust. Violence begets violence. Blood begets blood. Grief begets grief.
David, personally, remains mostly unscathed throughout this ordeal. Sometimes it is more painful to watch our loved ones experience the consequences of our failures than to suffer those consequences ourselves.Destroyed relationships, maimed victimes and broken communities can be the cost of our choices and desires unchecked.
In the midst of all this God is still at work. Solomon has been born (the one who will build God's Temple). God has not left the people but neither has God sheltered the people entirely from the consequences of their sin.
God, teach us, direct us and help us not to sin--not only for our own sakes but for those who might otherwise suffer because of us. We thank you for Jesus who suffered because of us. He came to restore relationship, heal victims and cultivate community. Help us receive those gifts that came at so high a cost. Grace is costly. Amen.
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