Topic: Sexual Abuse [Open Heavens for Teens 7 August 2020]
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Memorise: A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good. – Proverbs 16:29
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 13:10-20
10 And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.
11 And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.
12 And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.
13 And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee.
14 Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.
15 Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.
16 And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But he would not hearken unto her.
17 Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.
18 And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king’s daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.
19 And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.
20 And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom’s house.
Bible Reading In One Year: Psalms 79-81, Romans 8:1-39
MESSAGE:
Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual act that violates another person, usually forcefully. If for instance, a man has sex with an underage girl with or without her consent, it will amount to sexual abuse. It is so unfortunate that based on research, those that sexually abuse their victims are usually people close to the family or trusted by the family as it was in the case of Ammon who raped Tamar, his haIf-sister. So an abuser could be a house help, cousin, uncle or aunt, neighbour, home tutor, father, mother, et cetera. Child, you need to know that sexual abuse is a sin against God, and when it is done by a relation, it is even worse.
Watch out for the signs of an abuser. When someone begins to touch you in private parts such as your chest, breasts, or private organs, don’t keep quiet. If you notice that someone takes special interest in you and invites you into private places or behind closed doors, you need to run. Don’t encourage anyone you suspect has creepy intentions towards you. Joseph didn’t encourage Potiphars wife, he ran away. Flee before the abuser has his way and no matter how he or she threatens you to be silent, report the incident to a trusted adult, preferably your parents, pastor or teachers. If the adult does not take necessary action, tell another until the matter is properly addressed. Remember, evil thrives when we remain silent.
Action Point:
Report any act of abuse towards you or anyone you know to trusted adults or Christian counsellors.
Hymn: When We Walk With The Lord
- When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way,
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Chorus:
Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.
- Not a shadow can rise,
Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away,
Not a doubt or a fear,
Not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey. - Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay,
Not a grief nor a loss,
Not a frown nor a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey. - But we never can prove
The delights of His love,
Until all on the altar we lay,
For the favour He shows,
And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey. - Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way,
What He says we will do,
Where He sends, we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.