GOD CAN TEACH US A LOT WITH A ROTTEN EGG IF WE LET HIM; IF NOT, WE REPEAT THE MISTAKE

• David had three great failures: Lust of the flesh - Bathsheba, Eye - Absalom, and Pride - Numbering people.
• But his greatest personal heartbreak came when he allowed his own son to humiliate the Kingdom.
• There is much in this that is needed today - do not miss it or you will repeat its folly!

There are strange courses at work today in America - and I know why Shadegg wouldn't tell!

THE RISE OF THE GENERATION GAP - II SAM 13

It was David's great struggle for life - greatness; and his great indulgence that lost it all.

DAVID'S RISE TO POWER WAS HARD, HE HAD KNOWN INSECURITY, INJUSTICE; BUT HE BECAME RICH, POWERFUL

• In his youth, he had known hard work, loneliness, danger, and was very close to God - shepherd.
• In his maturing years he knew adventure, war, love, treachery, danger, but still obeyed God.
• But now he was King - peace and prosperity with great wealth - his children would lack nothing!

THE NEW MORALITY CREPT INTO THE FAMILY OF DAVID, DAVID'S FAVORITE SIN, WITHOUT HIS REPENTANCE! - 13

• Amnon had the lust and the time to kindle the flame - but it was Jonadab that plotted it! v.5
• Tamar offered her love the right way - v.13, but Amnon wanted everything RIGHT NOW!  He had to!
• Amnon found his lust fickle - and hated her - v.15, but she still tried to be honorable -v.16

IN RUSHED THE HIGH IDEALISM AND CRAFTY PLOTTING OF THE BROTHER ABSALOM, TO SET THINGS RIGHT

• He should have demanded justice then - v.20-22, but offered false comfort, mocked forgiveness.
• He set a vengeful trap, got someone else to do his killing for him - 28-29, was he just?
• Again David did not punish properly, nor forgive - 14:28 - David's fault in softness, not mercy.

Absalom used arson for attention - 14:30, demanded death, 14:32b, incomplete penalty, and forgiven

THE RISE OF THE FREE SPEECH MOVEMENT - CONSPIRACY - 15

If you think Absalom sincere in seeking forgiveness, remember this later action - he wanted the Kingdom!

ABSALOM BEGAN TO STEAL THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE WITH FLATTERY, SOWING DISCONTENT AND PROMISES

• The first politician - worked harder at treason than to make right the wrongs - completely false.
• He picked at any controversy - v.2b, used flattery 3, promises 4, and kisses 5, can you see this today?
• He was no child, no longer the offended, but now guilty of treason!  Did David know?

ABSALOM EVEN USED THE NAME OF GOD IN HIS PLOTTING, AND ASKED TO MAKE A VOW - 15:7-9

• Nothing more despicable than this - but bad seed was sown in America's churches 40 years ago!
  The king was taken in - v.9, even his kindness used against him - and revolution plotted -
  Even the young warriors gathered to Hebron were stupid - v.10, 11 - youthful cannon fodder.

ABSALOM'S ACTIONS NOW WERE DEFINITE CONSPIRACY, TREASON, AND WICKED TO THE VERY CORE!

• Spies sent all over Israel - David had to know - 11
• Absalom even gathered some of David's wise men - 12, Ahithophel, why did he help the enemy?
• It was called a "youthful" rebellion - NOT SO, THE YOUNG WERE USED AND EXPLOITED, and killed.

When young or old leave God's ordained pattern, everyone gets hurt!  Treason is not youth's sin-

THE REVOLUTION, AND WHO LOST THE MOST - (NO WINNERS)

Nothing tears the heart like conflict that divides families - yet someone is tampering with the soul of America today.

DAVID STILL REFUSED TO RAISE HIS HAND OF DISCIPLINE AGAINST HIS SON!

• When the word came, 15:14 David did not plan justice - he folded up and fled from His son!
• There was loyalty - 15:21; spies - v.34; spiteful dogs - 16:5; tender help - 17:28-29
• Even the priests wanted to bring the ark - 15:24, but David had confidence in God - 25,26 - we have no such promises.

ABSALOM MOCKED THE ROYALTY OF HIS OWN BLOOD AS HE STROVE TO MOCK HIS KINGLY FATHER - 16:15

• Again the old ones counsel wickedness - 16:21 - and youth too foolish but to self-destruct.
• When Absalom mocked his father's concubines - v.22 - he earned the wrath of God and man - death.

ABSALOM PRESSED FORWARD HIS SIN UNTIL IT KILLED HIM

• In the pursuit of David- bloody fighting - but wood devoured more 18:8 - dirty war and desertion
• It was Absalom's symbol of rebellion that killed him!  18:9,10, Joab knew how to help!  v.14.
• David mourned for him - 18:33, and Joab had to rebuke him, and be his backbone - 19:5 sorrow

We are living in the midst of another such revolution - wringing hands won't stop it!

WE HAVE ALREADY EARNED THE WRATH AND SORROW FOR LETTING ENEMY SOW TARES IN THE WHEAT

• But God is still alive - and anytime you want to stop playing and get right with Him you can!
• The only real help is found in Jesus Christ - He is the only real Bridge over Troubles Waters.
• If you do not seek God's help, you will dig your own grave with your own sin!