2 Samuel 13-15
The rape of Tamar by her brother, Amnon, is a heart-breaking event in David's household. And then, to compound the issue, David seems to be oblivious to the wrong done. Two full years pass before anything is done. And when justice is finally taken, it is done through Absalom, Amnon and Tamar's brother. After Absalom kills Amnon for raping Tamar, David still seems unable to grasp the entire situation. He is out of touch with his surroundings. Is it any wonder that Absalom is able to wrest the throne from his father David? If a man has no control in his own family, how can he maintain control of a nation?
This is an important guiding principle in choosing leaders. When advising the church on the selection of elders and deacons, the Apostle Paul leans heavily on this principle. It is absolutely essential that a leader be able to effectively guide his family, providing strong spiritual leadership. This doesn't mean that his family must be perfect. What it does mean, is that he should be on top of any situation, providing the needed discipline and direction. This is where David was failing, and it was having a profound effect on his family and his kingship. When any of us would presume to take on a leadership role with God's people, we should first make sure that we are providing that same leadership to our own family.
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