Nathan

Nathan (II Samuel 12:1-7)

David was described as a man after God’s own heart (I Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). Although King David did have his weak and embarrassing moments, he died a faithful man of God. David was accompanied by three men (Samuel, Nathan, and Gad) who influenced his life. Each of these prophets gave David the LORD’s direction for his life and each one had a special place at that time in his life. He had a prophet by his side to guide him, advise him, and correct during his reign over Israel. This prophet’s name was Nathan. Nathan is seen at the beginning, in the middle, and at the very end of David’s reign and bore the responsibility of representing the will and wishes of God. Nathan was faithful to deliver God’s messages.

• David consulted Nathan about building a house for God. At first, Nathan approved of David’s idea. However, God told Nathan that the builder of His house would be David’s son (II Samuel 7).
• Nathan exercised this responsibility when David committed adultery with Bathsheba (II Samuel 12:1-25). Nathan was never afraid to rebuke a king for his sins.
• Nathan helped Bathsheba to restore David’s kingdom to Solomon instead of Adonijah (I Kings 1:8-53).
• Pastors and all ministers have a responsibility to faithfully deliver God’s message to people, even to the local church (Acts 20:28; I Peter 5:2; Hebrews 13:7; II Timothy 1:13; 2:2, 4:1-5).
• God has His man to give you instructions, counsel, advice, and reproof.
• Every believer should count their pastor as God’s messenger, as a gift from God (Ephesians 4:8-11).

After reaching the apex of success and leading his nation to peace, prosperity, and power, David sank into sin. David caved into a giant named lust that lived within in his heart. He committed adultery with a married woman and got her pregnant; and then in an effort to cover up that sin, David had her husband put to death. For almost a year, David kept his sin hidden within his heart. God sent Nathan the prophet, a man David respected, to confront his sin. Nathan came in with a story about a rich man with many sheep who took the only lamb belonging to a poor neighbor to feed a man who was just passing through. Nathan stressed the fact that the poor man’s lamb was precious to him and represented all that he had in this world. When David heard this story, he was furious! He demanded that the rich man restore the poor man four-fold, and then he ordered the rich man to be executed. Nathan looked at him and said, “Thou art the man!” “It’s you David!” David received counsel, advice, and reproof from Nathan. What Nathan told David was not easy, however, it was from the Lord and it was what David needed (II Samuel 7:17).

Sin's pleasure never outweighs its devastating consequences. Never allow the devil to deceive you concerning the devastating results of sin. Sin never has positive results. Never think for a minute that sin can be successfully hidden away forever. The reality is there are no secret sins. God knows exactly where it is buried and when the time is right, He will place His finger right on the sore spot and He will press. He will confront that hidden sin and expose it for what it is! Please examine your life today.

Questions to Consider:

• Before you give in to temptation, stop and ask yourself one question, “is this sin worth the devastation?”
• Am I prepared to lose everything for this immediate gratification?

Points to Ponder:

• Be sure that your sin, no matter how small, will lead to consequences.
• Take David's example as a warning and boldly reject the devil's temptations.

If you are ready to come to the Lord today, then do so without delay. If you are a Christian but you have been wayward in your walk with the Lord, then turn back to the Lord and be strengthened.

PRAYER: Father, forgive me for the faults and failures in my life. I desire to lead a holy life that brings pleasure to You. Thank You for accepting me as Your child and help lead me to a life of purity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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