Be Safe at Home

Read 2 Samuel 16:15-19:4
 
2 Samuel 18:7 and the Israelite troops were beaten back by David’s men. There was a great slaughter that day, and 20,000 men laid down their lives.
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2 Samuel 18:33 The king was overcome with emotion. He went up to the room over the gateway and burst into tears. And as he went, he cried, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you! O Absalom, my son, my son.”
 
DAVID mourns deeply for his son. It is a lament heard down through the centuries as we consider a son’s rebellion and a father’s loss. Broken families are far too common. “O my son!” is a lament of many fathers estranged from their sons. Some have even experienced the worst possible consequence as David knew that awful day. Indeed, David’s grief was deep and lasting, perhaps grieving his own faults that led to Absalom’s death.
   And there are many more reasons for David’s grief – 20,000 reasons. Do you think David grieved the 20,000 men who had been killed and wounded? Israel’s rebellion began with David’s lust for Bathsheba. David murdered Uriah. Amnon’s lust violated Tamar. Absalom murdered Amnon. David and Absalom became separated emotionally and physically. Did David’s transgressions keep him from leading and disciplining his covetous, self-serving sons? Guilt will keep us from doing right. Confess your sins. Receive Jesus’ resurrection power to cleanse your guilt. Live for God, and you will keep your home safe.
   Absalom’s revolt caused thousands to die. Wives become widows. Children lost their fathers. A nation lost the gifts and strength of 20,000 fighting men who were to protect Israel from her external enemies. God’s house of Israel was at risk. How true is the LORD Jesus’ teaching, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A family splintered by feuding will fall apart.” (Luke 14:17)
   Sexual sin splinters souls and families. Everywhere we look in the world, people live broken lives because lust has rage through their homes. The sin in a bedroom never stays there. It floods through families and overwhelms our churches. What’s happening in your home? Is there something you need to make right? Do it now before the house divides and falls. Live by the Holy Spirit’s power: Ephesians 5:15 So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
   The LORD wants you to enjoy him.