April 27

2 Samuel 12:26-31; 1 Chronicles 20:2-3; 2 Samuel 13:1-14:33

David is a courageous warrior but an extremely passive father. One of his sons rapes one of his daughters and, as far as we can determine, he did nothing about it. We are told that his initial response was anger, but there were no conversations, consequences, or justice that occurred. He simply allowed the act to happen, and the guilty party got away free. After a time, his son Absalom decided to take matters into his own hands and had Amnon (the rapist) killed. David mourned the death of his son and longed to see Absalom who had fled, but once again, did nothing about it. As a dad, David was a passive enabler. He has a personal heart for God, but did not seem to do anything to challenge his kids to follow God or discipline them for their waywardness. His passivity would ultimately lead to the destruction of his family and the death of more of his kids.

Unlike David, we are called to be people who speak the truth in love, whether to our kids, our friends, or others in the church. We are called to point people to Christ through our actions and through our words.

Father God, help me to have the courage to speak out against the evil and sin in the world. Help me to lead others to you rather than allowing them to walk towards destruction. Amen.

Are there any situations or relationships you feel like God is calling you to address?