Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 12:24-25; 13:1-14:24; 1 Chronicles 3:4-9

David’s sin with Bathsheba bear terrible consequences in today’s passage; yes, Nathan had prophesied that David would suffer for his sinful passions (cf. 1 Samuel 12:11-12). This time, however, they affect his teenage (or twenty-something) children.

Both Amnon and Absalom follow their father’s example by allowing their passions determine their actions. They too will bear the consequences of their sinful decisions.

“When David sowed to the flesh, he reaped what the flesh produced. Moreover, he reaped the consequences of his actions even though he had confessed his sin and been forgiven for it. Underline it, star it, mark it deeply upon your conscious mind: Confession and forgiveness in no way stop the harvest. He had sown; he was to reap. Forgiven he was, but the consequences continued. This is exactly the emphasis Paul is giving the Galatians even in this age of grace [Gal. 6:7]. We are not to be deceived, for God will not be mocked. What we sow we will reap, and there are no exceptions.” (John W. Lawrence, Life’s Choices, p. 39)

No matter what the sin—anger, hatred, pornography, coveting, cheating, etc.—there will be consequences. They may be subtle, or be slow in coming, but they will come. So, when we think we are getting away with sin “scott-free,” we need to watch out, because the negative results are on their way.

I, for one, desperately need to learn this lesson over, and over, again.

Praying for you today, that you (and I) will commit ourselves to obeying Romans 6:12-13.