The Deception of Sin

"One Year Bible" Old Testament History Passage
II Samuel 13:1-39. (for May 28)

"The Amnon hated her (Tamar) exceedingly, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, 'Arise, be gone!'" II Samuel 13:15 (NKJV)

The last half of David's life was beset with tragedy and scandal. The story we read here today is one of the worst. When your children have difficulty, it is extra hard! Three of David's children fall deeply into a sequence that includes rape, murder, and hatred.

Amnon is the instigator. He seduces and rapes his half-sister Tamar. As the story unfolds, we get a deeper glimpse at the nature of sin. James 1:14-15 says, "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."

Temptation pushes you and speaks to you. It tells you that you MUST have the object of your desire. It is like the "love" Amnon had for Tamar. It cannot wait.

Such temptation pushes a person to action - to sin. But sin can never satisfy. The moment it is committed, it transforms - it changes. Such is the nature of Satan's kingdom. Sin promises much but delivers nothing. It seduces and entices, and then condemns.

May we learn to recognize the tell-tale signs of destructive sin! It seems so right or necessary at the time. But it KILLS. Amnon would soon be dead. May we be wise and always surrendered to the Lord and His timing.