Scripture: 2 Samuel 12
Underline the last verse of 2 Samuel chapter 11: “The thing that David had done displeased the Lord” (v.27). God sends Nathan to David.
Nathan is a prophet. He knows what happened to Uriah. David had killed an innocent soldier. Rather than declare the deed, he relates a story about a poor man with one sheep. David instantly connects. He shepherded flocks before he led people. He knows poverty. Nathan tells David how the poor shepherd loved this sheep – holding her in his own lap, feeding her from his own plate. She was all he had. A traveller stops by a rich man’s mansion, so a feast is in order. Rather than slaughter a sheep from his own flock, the rich man sends his bodyguards to steal the poor man’s animal.
As David listens, he concludes that “The man who has done this shall surely die!” (12:5-6). Nathan reveals that “you are the man!” (12:7).
David’s face pales. He slinks back in his chair. He makes no defence. He utters no response. He has nothing to say. Through Nathan, God proclaims his judgment (12:7-12). From this day forward, turmoil and tragedy mark David’s family. Even the child of this adultery will die (12:8). He must. Surrounding nations now question the holiness of David’s God. David had soiled God’s reputation, blemished God’s honour. God punishes David’s public sin in a public fashion.
Can God sit idly as sin poisons his child? He will not rest until we do what David did: confess our fault. “Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ Nathan replied, ‘The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die’” (12:13). God put away David’s sin. Rather than cover it up, God lifted it up and put it away.
Reference: Facing your giants: God still does the impossible by Max Lucado
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