‘Nathan said to David, “You are the man!”‘ (2 Samuel 12:7 ESV).
The Lord sent the prophet Nathan to rebuke King David for his sin with Bathsheba. Certainly, the focus of the story is on David’s sin and repentance, and God’s faithfulness and forgiveness. Yet, the prophet Nathan’s role in this story is worthy of consideration too.
What manner of man was Nathan? He didn’t hesitate to carry the Lord’s rebuke to David, declaring him “the man” who in his parable had taken the poor man’s lamb, which in reality was Uriah the Hittite’s wife. Nathan’s parable was so well conceived that David didn’t suspect that he was its subject until he had unknowingly pronounced a death sentence upon himself. Yet, Nathan didn’t hesitate. The moment David reached his judgment, Nathan declared him “the man” deserving such judgment. Nathan boldly fulfilled his prophetic office, risking his own life to declare such a thing to the king. Remember what happened to the prophet John the Baptist when he rebuked King Herod’s sin? He ended up with his head on a platter (Mark 6:27-28)!
Nathan didn’t hesitate to rebuke sin, even if a king was the focus. But he also was quick to declare the Lord’s forgiveness when David confessed his sin without excuse. Nathan was a good prophet. He did not hesitate to rebuke sin, nor was he slow to offer the message of forgiveness to those who were willing to repent.
May the Church today fulfill its prophetic office as Nathan did, fearlessly speaking God’s Word to those in power. May we boldly rebuke sin no matter where it occurs, while also being quick to offer the message of forgiveness to those who repent.
PRAYER: Dear Father, may we be obedient like Nathan to go to those to whom You send us, speaking Your Word boldly. May we also be quick to repent and confess our sin as David. For we too are in need of your grace and forgiveness. Help us to walk by faith in Your Son, knowing when to speak and when to listen. In Jesus’ name, amen.