There is forgiveness for sin—all sin. But forgiveness does not mean that sin leaves nothing behind. Though God had forgiven David, the consequences of his wrongdoing would reach deep into his own household.
In 2 Samuel 13–14, those consequences begin to unfold. Sexual violence, hatred, murder, estrangement, and family strife reveal the terrible reach of sin. Yet the tragedy is compounded by the failure to respond rightly. David’s inaction, Absalom’s vengeance, and Joab’s manipulation turn an already devastating situation into an escalating crisis.
Sin has consequences, and those consequences must be faced responsibly. When they are not, wrong responses can become occasions for further sin and ruin. Yet even amid the damage sin leaves behind, forgiveness and reconciliation remain available through Jesus Christ, who has fully dealt with the guilt of sin through his death on the cross.
Josiah has served the Oakridge Bible Chapel family as one of its elders and one of its pastoral staff members since September 2018, before which he ministered as an associate pastor to a local congregation in the Canadian prairies. Josiah's desire is to be used by God to help equip the church for ministry, both while gathered (edification) and while scattered (evangelization). He is married to Patricia, and together they have five children—Jonah, Henry, Nathaniel, Josephine, and Benjamin.
