Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
It's a rather shakey imitation of the Lord. The Lord "devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished" (14v14). In the gospel he goes to the greatest lengths of giving his own son to make forgiveness and reconciliation possible. David, however is much more reluctant, needing the plotting and proding of Joab. And Absalom is hardly repentant, but rather vain and moody. So these events don't only pattern the gospel in their imperfect way, they also teach something of life in a fallen world. As was the case with Bathsheba, sin leads to sin. The lust of Amnon leads to manipulation and rape, and then vengeance and murder from his half-brother, and his subsequent estrangement from his father. We should guard against sin primarily because it is such an offence to God, but also because it so oftens makes matters far worse. By God's providence people tend to reap what they sow. As you read note the consequences of Amnon's sin.
2 Samuel 13-14
2 Samuel 13-14
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.