March 19

2 Samuel 16:15-19:43

Lust is contagious. No, not like a disease, but …
Lust breeds lust. Sin brings about more sin. It is an endless cycle until someone steps up and says “ENOUGH!” Someone has to decide to honor God instead of promoting self. It is the only way to stop the cycle.

Yes, you may have the “right” to react a certain way. Yes, you may have been wronged and need to defend your “name”. You may be the victim of someone else’s lust. You may have been deeply wounded by someone else’s sin. But don’t keep the cycle going. Satan wants you to buy into the lie. Satan wants you to return sin with sin.

Stand up. Say “enough”. Honor God before you honor yourself.

Ahithophel, Bathsheba’s grandfather, and Joab, David’s nephew, now catch the lust for revenge. The sin cycle that started with David and Bathsheba continues.

Ahithophel sends Absalom in to sleep with his father’s concubines which was a public statement that the relationship between Absalom and his father would never be repaired. By the way, this also fulfilled punishment given in the prophecy stated by Nathan in
2 Samuel 12:11-12: “This is what the LORD says: Because of what you have done, I will cause your own household to rebel against you. I will give your wives to another man before your very eyes, and he will go to bed with them in public view. You did it secretly, but I will make this happen to you openly in the sight of all Israel.”

Joab then completely disregards David’s request to “be gentle to Absalom”. Joab kills Absalom. David never had another chance to talk to him about his mistakes. Absalom never had another chance to turn his life around and do something positive. Wasted moments. Wasted opportunities. A tragic ending – a father’s broken heart.

Once again, David is returned as king, but he does not return to a united Israel. Can David confront evil and lead in a strong way for God? And if he does lead for God, will Israel follow?

Don’t waste opportunities with those you love. Share with them the way of the LORD. Don’t leave them going down the wrong path because it is easier to avoid the tough conversation. Lack of action only leads to broken hearts and lost souls.

Stand up. Say “enough”. Break the cycle of sin. Honor God – today.