II Samuel 13-14

"Yet God does not take away life, but plans ways so that the banished one may not be cast out from him" (14:14). Human sin dominates these stories. The rape of Tamar led to Absalom's hatred and desire for revenge. Amnon's murder led to Absalom's banishment and the seeds of his rebellion. Though angry and grieving, King David failed as a father, offering neither discipline nor encouragement. But their failures highlight God's great mercy.

The cycle of sin can be broken only through the cross. God planned a way (14:4) to set us free from sin's chains and welcome us home.