We continue our new sermon series looking at faulty heroes in the bible.
Since the very first family established in the Garden of Eden to present-day kin around the world, the reality of every human family is an almost guarantee of disagreements, arguments and sometimes periods of crisis. As Desmond Tutu suggests “You don’t choose your family, they are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”
Family can be one of the greatest blessings in one’s life, however within the confinement of family life can lie some of the deepest wounds, bitterness and hurt leading to family breakdowns and years of unforgiveness.
David’s family woes
King David, a man after God’s heart, is known for his immense courage, faith and stalwart leadership over Israel for 40 years. However, despite David’s ability to rule a nation, he failed miserably to provide strong leadership within his own family.
Some of David’s marriages caused him much grief, but arguably one of the saddest moments amongst David’s family was the incest and rape of David’s daughter Tamar, perpetrated by David’s firstborn Amnon.
Rape was strictly forbidden by God according to Deut 22:28-20, The ramifications of such a terrible act would cause a family crisis and even impacted the future leadership of Israel.
What can we learn from this family crisis in 2 Samuel chapter 13?
- Avoid sweeping family troubles under the carpet – Verse 20
- Commit to dealing with difficult issues – Verse 21-22
- Plan for the future – Verse 23
Application
Are there issues within your family or friendships that are slowly escalating out of control?
What can you do to begin the process of prayerfully and actively addressing such problems? whilst acknowledging the pain and hurt caused the restoration process may be slow and painful, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, prayer and looking to God’s Word, piece by piece, relationships may just be revived.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18
Additional study/ Housegroup Questions
- After receiving the news of Tamar’s rape, what could David have done differently? think about some of the reasons why he decided against disciplining his Son.
- How can families begin the process of addressing serious family issues that have caused immense pain and distress?
- Discuss the role of Jonadab (Amnon’s cousin) in the eventual rape of Tamar. What could Jonadab have done differently to dissuade his cousin’s lust for his sister?
Even if David had disciplined Amnon, due to the nature and seriousness of the issue, could restoration and forgiveness be realised in the family?
Sermon Details
Title: Ever had a family crisis?
Reading: 2 Samuel 13:20-23
Preacher: Nathan Gordon
