14/07/2014 - BLESSING GONE TO WASTE

• 
• 
• 
• 

But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, let us not all go now, lest we be a burden to you.” Then he urged him, but he would not go; and he blessed him.  2Samuel 13.25

Two years had gone by since tragedy had stricken King David’s family. Amnon, David’s son with Ahinoam of Jezreel, had forced and lay with Tamar, David’s daughter with Maachas—daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur—and Absalom’s sister. During all that time, Absalom planned to avenge Tamar. He did not speak, neither good nor bad words, with his brother, the abuser, but he prepared a plan to kill him.

It came the day when Absalom asked the king to let him throw a party. His intent was to restore the family honor. It is interesting to note that David, despite having been used many times as a prophet, did not suspect what Absalom was planning. As a matter of fact, Nathan the prophet had told David that the sword would be a constant threat to his family, because he had done evil to Uriah.

David had stolen Uriah’s wife—Bathsheba— and, after finding out that she was pregnant, he commanded her husband to go into battle to die on the front line. Sin is one of the most dangerous things one can practice. Jesus said: “Woe to that man by whom the offense comes” (Matthew 18.7). “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18.6).

For example, a husband or a wife who has cheated needs to redeem himself/herself, because the enemy is merciless in carrying out vengeance. And the one who plans to cheat must beg for God’s forgiveness as fast as possible and avoid the transgression. The worst thing for cheaters will take place on the last judgment, because the Word says that the one who has been cheated on will not accept recompense, nor will he be appeased though he receives many gifts (Proverbs 6.34,35). The shame of the one who cheated will never be erased.

King David did not perceive what was in his son’s heart and even apologized for not going, lest he would be a burden to his son. The fact that Absalom urged his father to come shows us that, when there is evil intent in one’s heart, in order to hide what the person intends to do, he makes an extra effort for others not to suspect anything. That is why it is always important to hear from the Lord.

Without understanding what was going on, King David blessed Absalom; but his blessing was in vain. Good is to be in Spirit in the presence of God, because, in face of a tragedy that is about to happen, we can be used in a way that the diabolic plan will fail. To be sensitive to the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord is a good decision.

The devil has led many people to doing evil things. And people do not cheat only in marriage. Partners steal from partners, employees steal from employers, judges become corrupt, etc. He who fears the Lord must never give in to temptation.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares