DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018 A NEEDLESS FURY TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 13:21-39 Key Verse: “

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

A NEEDLESS FURY

TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 13:21-39

Key Verse: “Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.” (2 Samuel 13:28)_

The display of anger is a matter of choice. Hence, hardly would a sane person choose to be angry. Many people justify their acts of anger, cruelty and extreme wickedness on provocation; yet anger, no matter the cause, rest in the bosom of fools.

Tamar’s rape by her half brother, Amnon, was bad enough and cause King David to grieve. But Absalom, Tamar’s elder brother, bottled his anger over the horrible act for two years. He organized an event to schematically murder Amnon.

Regardless of the gravity of Amnon’s offence, it was not in anyone’s place to avenge an act of sin, cruelty or wickedness. The Bible clearly warns against revenge. For believers under the New Covenant, with Christ as the Mediator, any act of vengeance is a sin. Even under the Old Covenant, murder was forbidden, for he that kills by the sword shall also die by the sword.

Absalom should have confronted his brother over the sin he had committed rather than nurse the revenge for two years. King David, being a man of weak moral credentials, failed in respect of Amnon, although he was a successful king and military ruler. We are to guard against unbridled, inveterate anger, no matter the gravity of the offence. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengence is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19). Saved from sin, you must thirst and pray through for sanctification experience to receive the grace to be uplifted beyond negative emotional outpouring.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: He who avenges does more harm
COVER to COVER: NUMBERS 14-15.

PONDER:
Stinks in the lighthouse of Israel

1. The King and his household suppose to be the lighthouse of Israel. Sin quenched the light and the nation was engulfed in darkness.
2. David lost his spiritual sensitivity after her sins of adultery. Even though his sins were forgiven, a 7-fold judgement was pronounced. 2 Samuel 12: 10-14. He was content with receiving forgiveness but he did nothing to reverse the judgements. One of the effects is what we have in the text. Sin forgiven but there were unresolved issues associated with the sins and the effects continued.
3. Amnon raped his sister. The law of Moses said he must die. The Chief Judge and king of Israel was only angry but did nothing to punish him v21. Perhaps that would have pacified Absalom.
4. Amnon himself thought he had smiled home with rape, he neither seek for reconciliation nor forgiveness from any. Who will tell him to do the right?
5.Absalom nurtured murderous spirit for 2 years. No light in Israel. Nobody to help Absalom discover the spirit of forgiveness.
6. The servants of Absalom feared Absalom more than God v28. Who will teach the fear of God in Israel?
7. Absalom specifically requested for the company of Amnon v26. David could not discern anything.

HYMN: Take time to be holy (GHS 189)

1. Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

2. Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

3. Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

4. Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, is there any forgiven sin of my life or family that the repercussions are still raging? Holy Ghost, search it out and deliver me.
2. Lord, let not the light in me becomes darkness.
3. Lord, make me more and more sensitive to the Spirit with discerning grace.
4. Lord, have mercy on the Davids in every household in the church and awaken them to righteousness.
5. Lord, visit every household in the Church that Satan has invaded and deliver.