2 Samuel 13 is as painful a chapter to read as 2 Samuel 11. In this chapter, we see the rape of David’s daughter, Tamar, by her half-brother, Amnon, and the murder of Amnon by his half-brother, Absalom, in revenge for this crime. We see others failing to stop these crimes (especially Jonadab, an advisor and relative who ought to have known better) and even David choosing the way of silence and passivity rather than confronting (and disciplining) his wayward sons. There is little here to cheer us, though there is much to learn about human nature and the destructive nature of sin. In the light of current discussions in the UK about grooming gangs and the destruction of innocent lives, we see that there is nothing new under the sun and that the sinfulness of the human heart is the root cause of so much distress in our world.

Amnon mistakes lust for love, as many do in our society. Though incest was forbidden by God’s law, he connived with others to sleep with his half-sister, Tamar, and resorted to rape when she refused to comply. He took her virginity and destroyed her reputation, and then cast her aside, revealing a capacity for hate that bore no resemblance to the true definition of love (1 Cor 13:4-8).

The men who should have protected Tamar, including her brother Absalom and father David, said and did nothing for two years, and then Absalom, fuelled by hatred rather than seeking proper justice, took his revenge and killed Amnon. The consequences of David’s adultery and murder reverberate through this chapter, and at the end of it, we see Absalom estranged and still no justice for Tamar. It is humbling to read this tragic narrative; we shake our heads at the behaviour of so many.

Paul tells us that all Scripture is God-breathed and has things to teach us. (Heb 4:12, 2 Tim 3:16-17, 1 Cor 10:1-13) Jesus spoke to us about the fact that sin starts with our thoughts and heart attitudes (see Matt 5:21-30, Matt 12:33-36), long before our actions reveal the state of our hearts. This chapter reminds us that sin must be dealt with ruthlessly as soon as we become aware of it, so that it does not have the opportunity to grow and damage others. It reminds us that confrontation and discipline are necessary to train us in the paths of righteousness. Most of all, it should drive us to God in humility and prayer, for we can only overcome through the blood of Christ. In our own strength, we all succumb to the temptations and lures of sin, but in Him, there is power to overcome.

Today we looked at the fact that we are God’s elect (1 Peter 1:1-2). At the start of a new year, we can often feel uncertain and afraid of what may happen, but it is helpful to know that our identity is secure in God. Peter’s first letter was written to believers who were ‘exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia.’ (1 Pet 1:1) To be an exile is not an identity willingly chosen, but one forced on us by circumstances, yet even in times of difficulty and persecution, Peter is adamant that we are chosen by God – not because of our talents or skills, but because of God’s mercy (see Rom 9:9-13).

The doctrines of election and predestination have been controversial throughout the years but ultimately depend on God’s foreknowledge and omniscience. This does not mean we have no personal responsibility; it can be hard to balance God’s sovereignty with human freedom, but the Bible proclaims both truths. Peter tells us we have been chosen ‘according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood…’ (1 Pet 1:2) To be sanctified is to be made holy, to be set apart for God. As we allow God to work in every area of our lives by His Spirit, we are made holy to become more like God.

To be chosen is a mystery, but one which should make us rejoice! It helps us to surrender our lives to God and to live in cooperation with Him, choosing to obey His commands. (John 14:15), allowing Him to be our Teacher and Guide. We have new purpose and a new identity. We aren’t defined by our past or by our present circumstances (living as exiles scattered through persecution.) Instead, we are defined by God and what He is doing in our lives.