Devotion:
Read 2 Samuel 12:1-7a.
One of the roles of prophets in the Old Testament was to confront sin. God spoke through prophets and used them to take his message to his people, even kings. David had sinned against God when he committed adultery with Bathsheba and then had her husband Uriah killed. David seemed to have become callous about his own sin. He tried to cover up his first sin (adultery) with another sin (murder). David had become hardened to sin. So the Lord sent the prophet Nathan to tell David a story. We read that story in our passage today. The story is about a rich man who abused a poor man by taking his lamb, killing it, and preparing it for a guest. David was outraged that one could be so callous, but Nathan told David, “You are that man!” Nathan helps David come to repentance. Nathan was courageous and tactful in pointing out David’s sin. Nathan didn’t humiliate or scold the king, but he did judge him as God had directed him to do. When you have to confront someone with unpleasant news, pray for God to give you courage, skill, and tact. This old adage has much truth: “It not just what you say; it’s how you say it.”
Personal Worship Option:
Pray that you will use love when facing someone who has hurt you or sinned against God. Ask God to point out any sin in your life so that you can repent.
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