Pastor Bob DuPar
May 28, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

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

Observation

O.K. the story of Amnon and Tamar is sick. But, Tamar’s maturity and answers to Amnon in the midst of her terror are remarkable. How insulting that Amnon sends her away as well. I find it interesting that Amnon was filled with hate after he got what he wanted. If anyone should have been hateful it was Tamar.

John 17:3 is great: “This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” 17:5 is a neat affirmation of Christ’s preexistence. 17:15 is a great verse to support God’s protective power in the midst of trials rather than a mentality which expects God to always deliver us by removing us from conflicts.

The unity of the Trinity in 17:22-23 is a wonderful model for the love and oneness which should exist between believers. And, Proverbs 16:7 was my favorite verse as a kid and it sums everything up:

“When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies to live at peace with him.”

Application

Amnon is a great example of how sin turns sour in our hands. How ironic that sin causes us to loathe the things we once thought that we loved. The theme of unity in John 17 is a life application for all of us – something that will take some time to live and apply.

Prayer

“God, protect me from the evil one. Sanctify me in Your truth. Help me to experience “complete unity” with my brothers and sisters in You, as you prayed and desired.”