Introduction

Chapters of grief and loss need closure.

Grief faced by King David in the loss of three sons:
Bathsheba’s Son (2 Sam 12)
Amnon (2 Sam 13)
Absalom (2 Sam 18)

A. BATHSHEBA’S SON

1. Grief mixed with regret and guilt
2. Painful memories and accusations
3. Need acceptance and forgiveness

B. AMNON

1. Grief mixed with reminder of sin
2. No moral ground to act

C. ABSALOM

1. No forgiveness
2. Love too late

D. SUMMING UP

1. Guilt and forgiveness
2. Seek forgiveness, forgive ourselves
3. God’s Forgiveness

4. Denial and Acceptance
5. Honest about feelings, acceptance
6. God’s sovereignty

David: “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Sam 13: 14)

Jesus: “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isa 53:3)

Questions for Reflection 

1. Of David’s three episodes of loss and grief, which was the most difficult? Why?
2. Which was the least difficult? Why?
3. How do we bring chapters of grief and loss to a healthy close?

 
Sunday Worship Songs at cefc.ch/sws
Next Week’s Topic: FLIC Series: Releasing Toxic Guilt and Shame
Next Week’s Speaker(s): Rev Dr Ng Liang Wei (BPJ, WDL & East)