When Sin Is Unchecked

536- Before we begin, I feel it is necessary to warn parents with young children at this time that this material is only suitable for adults. The biblical commentator Matthew Henry had this to say about this portion of Scripture: this is “a subject not fit to be enlarged upon nor indeed to be mentioned without blushing, that ever any man should be so vile,” But the Bible doesn't sugar coat life, even when it is at it ugliest moments, so parents, beware as we progress through this portion of Scripture verse by verse. I read from 2Sa 13:21- “But when King David heard of all these things, he was very angry. (2 Sam 13:21) The word is out about the rape and sexual assault of Tamar by Amnon. David, who is the father of both of these young people is very angry about what happened....but please note....he doesn't do anything about it. Amnon is not disciplined in any way for this terrible deed. What was holding David back? This was no mere family matter! This was a violation of civil law! David should have taken this matter to the proper authorities to dispense justice! And in this case, he was the proper authority. The offense of Amnon was punishable by death and perhaps this is what restrained David. From the perspective of the parent here, perhaps David didn't say anything because of his own sordid past. To say anything to his children about sexual sin, would invite the response, “Look who's talking!” Let's face it, this is a sticky situation! But look what happened because nothing was done to address the matter! As we shall see......more than just Amnon will die and sexual sin and indiscretion will multiply in the family, and David will lose the respect of the people he governed because he couldn't even govern his own family. Isa 26:10 warns, “Let favor be showed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness; in the land of uprightness will he deal wrongfully, and will not behold the majesty of Jehovah. Amnon needed to be confronted with his sin and invited to repent of it. There was more at stake here than earthly punishment, he was in danger of “not beholding the majesty of Jehovah” in glory! Father grant us the courage to confront sin, and to do it with grace. A live streaming audio version of this Devo can be heard at 5:50 P.M CST at www.thefamily.net