DCLM HIGHER EVERYDAY 12 September 2022 — The abomination of Amnon
DCLM Higher Everyday 12 September 2022 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi —The abomination of Amnon
TOPIC: THE ABOMINATION OF AMNON
TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 13:7-15
7Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon’s house, and dress him meat.
8So Tamar went to her brother Amnon’s house; and he was laid down. And she took flour, and kneaded it, and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes.
9And she took a pan, and poured them out before him; but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, Have out all men from me. And they went out every man from him.
10And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.
11And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.
12And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.
13And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee.
14Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.
15Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.
MEMORY VERSE: “Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her” (2 SAMUEL 13:14).
MESSAGE:
The world is experiencing a general rise in immoral acts, comprising rape and incest, which has resulted in many unwanted pregnancies and maternal mortalities due to unsafe abortions. This painful downward moral journey has become a worldwide plague.
In today’s Bible text, Amnon committed a double crime of rape and incest against Tamar (Deuteronomy 27:22). The tragic event started with his unchecked lust, deceitful counsel from his friend, Jonadab and obedience of the unsuspecting and defenceless Tamar. What he called love was a selfish lust, for genuine love sacrificially seeks the good of others.
Also Read: DCLM Sincere Milk 11 September 2022 — Electronic Evangelism
Amnon would not have acted on his lust, but for Jonadab’s advice. Choose your friends wisely and avoid bad advice. Christians should rely on the Holy Spirit to differentiate between right and wrong. Remember, your sins affect the lives of others – remember Tamar.
Mentally and physically avoid evil youthful desires, and occupy yourself with things that promote peace, righteousness, faith and love with like-minded Christians. Support one another in the fight against sin.
QUOTE: Your sins affect the lives of others.
CHALLENGE: Pursue righteousness and fight against sin.
PRAYER: Holy Father, give me pure love for others, in Jesus’ name.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
