PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: 2 Samuel 11-12
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!” (2 Samuel 12:7)
David is “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22; 1 Samuel 13:14).
Whatever that means, it has to include the fact that he sinned terribly.
There is no softening or prettifying what happens here; this is wicked.
Not even David’s repentance makes his sin less repugnant.
Like David, we all sin; like David, we all condemn others for sinning.
We have an easier time seeing other peoples’ sins than our own.
“At whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.” (Romans 2:1)
Nathan’s story is a classic picture of how God convicts us all.
Do I hear the Spirit asking me, ‘do you see yourself in this?’
As we put ourselves in the reading, we are comforted or convicted.
The point is not to make us feel bad, but to help us learn and grow.
This reading reminds me that I can’t throw stones at others.
As I read the bible, I need to apply it to myself, and not to others.
PRAYER
Lord, in my own way this is me. Help me apply what I read to me, and not just use your message to challenge others!
“But the thing David had done displeased the Lord…I fasted and wept. I thought, ‘Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.’”
David recognized his sin and owned up to it – yet even as the punishment was being meted out, David prays to the Lord earnestly – He knew the gracious heart of God the Father like no one else. Lord give me the same sense of grace – that I too may plead for others that they too may find you and no longer be lost!
My way or God’s way?
In my daily living fo Jesus I need to ask the question of my actions- whose way am I following?
What I do does it bless the Lord or just satisy my longings?
I was created to serve Him and with the Spirit’s guidance I can do that. I need to focus on why I am here. Help me daily Lord in my Pilgrim’s Progress – staying the way.
1 Grace and truth shall mark the way
Where the Lord His own will lead,
If His word they still obey
And His testimonies heed.
2 For Thy name’s sake hear Thou me,
For Thy mercy, Lord, I wait;
Pardon my iniquity,
For my sin is very great.
3 He who walks in godly fear
In the path of truth shall go;
Peace shall be his portion here,
And his sons all good shall know.
4 They that fear and love the Lord
Shall His holy friendship know;
He will grace to them accord,
And His faithful covenant show.