Sunday, January 11, 1998 In Your Absence:
In this week's lesson, which came from II Samuel 13:1-2, 6-15, and 19-22, we studied about the terrible matter of sexual abuse. All forms of human abuse are despicable, but sexual abuse is probably among the most psychologically damaging. Our lesson focused on the issues of sexual abuse and also on its awful consequences. It presented the sexual encounter between two of King David's children, Amnon and Tamar, who were half-brother and half-sister. Most of us tend to think that our actions do not affect others, but one of the very important conclusions of this lesson is that they do.
In an unrelated incident which had occurred a few years prior to the events of this lesson, King David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. Then, when Bathsheba was found to be with child, David plotted to have her husband killed. David's actions were done privately. But before everything was over, his sin was discovered, and his actions affected his entire family. Amnon was one of those who had been affected by his father's sins. He had learned from watching his dad that a woman could be taken and used for his own pleasure. Therefore, when he found that he was attracted to his half-sister, instead of resisting his urges, he plotted to find a way to have her. Amnon was not looking for a wife. He was only looking for a good time, and when Tamar refused to submit, he overcame and forced her. In his moment of lust, Amnon became guilty of putting his own desires ahead of his sister's welfare. His actions were selfish, indicative of his poor priorities, deceitful, and sinful. Not only that, but when he stumbled, he brought her down with him. Sometimes, when we stumble, we bring others down with us, too. The Lord is never pleased when we put ourselves ahead of others, and in that regard, Amnon was guilty.
Abusers usually are not deterred very easily. There was not much, if anything, that Tamar could have done. Sexual abusers are usually driven by their own frustrations. Their actions involve deceit and when necessary even lead to violence. Being abusive is a sin against God. It causes the abuser to lie and also to try to control and manipulate others. Sociologists say that sexual abuse is more about dominance than sex. When Amnon forced his sister, he was showing that he wanted what he wanted and that he was not about to let the feelings of others get in his way. Rape is the ultimate form of selfishness. In the end, this sin cost Amnon his life. His actions ruined his sister's life, and a few years later, he was killed by her full brother, Absalom. A simple conclusion to this week’s lesson was that sin leads to negative results and brings people down. The Bible tells us that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We can be thankful that our heavenly Father sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for us so that we can have forgiveness for our sins. If you have never turned to Him, then please do so today. If you have received Him as your personal Savior, then share your good news about Him with others.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Send email to: tlee6040@aol.com