May 28

2 Samuel 13:1-39, John 17:1-26, Psalm 119:81-96, Proverbs 16:6-7

Pray: Let us begin today with a fresh approach, a fresh slate. Let’s ask God to clear our minds of all the possible agenda items for today (or tomorrow) and simply request an audience with Him. Just you and God. Now, through the Holy Spirit let us boldly pray, “Dear God, please visit me now through your Holy Spirit. Allow me to see what You see, to hear with fresh ears and to be totally open to Your direction. In Jesus' name.”

Read: There is nothing more difficult than for an officer of the law to have to be called to a home with domestic violence. These situations are often emotional powder kegs and filled with hurt, bitterness and chaos. This is no less true even for the house of David. Tamar is seduced and raped by her own brother. Tamar’s other brother Absalom sought revenge for his sister’s violation as he killed his brother Amnon. There is dysfunction in the home. 

Edify: God’s leadership principle in our Old Testament lesson today is clear that when David, the spiritual leader of his household, heard about the violation of his daughter Tamar by Amnon, he was rightfully angry but he did nothing. When leaders do not lead, others feel they have to step up and fill in the void. Absalom would have never had to step forward and take the life of his brother if David had disciplined Amnon immediately. Here is a Biblical principle: “Either confront the problem quickly when there is hurt among the family or you will confront it eventually and it may be toxic and far more chaotic when it blows up in front of you and all those involved.

Practice: Jesus is teaching His disciples about both His purpose and His identity. Jesus is a unifier because He is totally surrendered to the will of the Father. Secondly, Jesus is revealing His surrender and connection with the heavenly Father and His desire that we would be equally united to Jesus. Most often people believe that there is weakness and boredom in surrender to God. This is just the opposite and there is great strength, and empowerment, when we surrender to the Lordship of Christ and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. We are no longer under our own authority. We are an ambassador of the King of Kings. We are children of the most high God and we go in His name to serve the poor, to help others find their way back to God and to grow in our own faith. So what do you need to surrender to God today? And, what do you need to claim with boldness as a dream to be realized?