Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Get yourself a Nathan

Good morning. This is today's scripture for today's devotional:


Scripture: 2 Samuel 2:7 (NIV) Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! … Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.”


As I read through the Psalms, I keep coming back to Psalm 51 – David’s powerful revelation that he had sinned against God. David is now aware that Nathan knows of his adultery with Bathsheba and has murdered her husband. David has come to the realization that he has deeply disappointed God, and he cries out for mercy. In Psalm 51:10, David pleads with God to “create in me a pure heart.” He wants a new spirit. But what God David to this point of conviction?


One word: Nathan. The prophet Nathan was God’s voice in David’s ear over and over during his reign. Nathan held the most powerful man in the land accountable for his actions. “Dude, you slept with another man’s wife, then you killed her husband to cover up her pregnancy. What in the world were you thinking!” Then David realizes his mistake, and bawls his eyes out. Men, we need a Nathan in our lives. We need guys in our lives who will hold us accountable. We can’t do it on our own. Ladies, do not get involved with a man who does not have other men in their lives. The solo act doesn’t work.


Nathan was the man. David listened to him, because he had earned his trust. David knew that when Nathan spoke, it was God’s voice. Nathan was fearless, confronting David when he was full of himself. David, as king, needed someone to keep him in line. Nathan was careful in confronting David for his sin. He didn’t nitpick. Nathan wanted David to be the godly leader over Judah and Israel. Nathan was David’s most trusted confidant.


Men, as we go about our daily lives, we must find a Nathan in our lives, someone who will ask the tough questions. It may be asking us if we’ve been adequately searching for a job. It may be someone asking us if we’re going on line and looking at pornography. It may be someone who asks us if we’re being the best husbands or boyfriends we can be. If we’re dads, are we being actively involved with our kids. If you don’t have a Nathan in your life, today is a good day to start looking for one. If you have a Nathan, listen to his wisdom and thank him for being in your life. He is a true friend.


How does this apply to my life?


Today’s prayer: Lord, thank you for the many Nathans in my life. Thank you for their friendship and accountability they give me. Amen

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