Read 2 Samuel 13:1-4 – After this Absalom the son of David had a lovely sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her. Amnon was so distressed over his sister Tamar that he became sick; for she was a virgin. And it was improper for Amnon to do anything to her. But Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother. Now Jonadab was a very crafty man. And he said to him, “Why are you, the king’s son, becoming thinner day after day? Will you not tell me?” Amnon said to him, “I love Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.” (NKJV)
Clearly there’s a serious problem brewing among King David’s children—a tragic series of events that will end in incestuous rape and murderous vengeance. In fact, this story will continue to impact David’s kingdom for the remainder of his life. Where does it start? This horrid story begins in the unhealthy desires for his half-sister that Amnon allows to fill his heart. In fact, these desires have become so consuming that his friend sees him physically affected. Through the encouragement of an unhealthy friendship, Amnon launches a scheme that will go way beyond any destruction he could have foreseen. That’s what sexual sin will do. The desire to satisfy a momentary thirst will launch a tidal wave of destruction in a man’s life, his family and every other stream he can fathom. His life will be diminished, he will waste away and his actions will ultimately bring destruction to others that he never had intended. Don’t let such desires bring destruction and be sure to fill your life with friends who want God’s best for you, rather than just encouraging you toward things that are unhealthy.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
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