I Samuel 12:1 begins like this, And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. That statement alone doesn’t seem like a big deal. However, when we dig into the scripture and find the purpose of his visit we understand the significance of this meeting. God sent the Prophet Nathan to David shortly after his sin of adultery with Bathsheba and the ordered murder of her husband Uriah.
David supposed since he had never gotten caught and his sin had not been found out that all was well. Uriah was now dead and Bathsheba had become his wife. Somehow his heart had become unmoved by the God in which he loved dearly. However, the God in which he served being holy yet loving sent a man to confront David. Nathan’s purpose was to get him to recognize this sin for what it was which he did through a parable.
When David’s anger had risen within him and he wanted justice for this poor man whose ewe lamb and been taken unjustly it was then that Nathan delivered the soul crushing message from I Samuel 12:7 Thou art the man. This humbled David and now he was able to see the error of his ways and to whole heartedly repent and follow God. When Nathan is sent we must hear him out, take heed to his words and make our hearts and actions right before God. We must never stone Nathan but we must be thankful for him!
It brings Nathan no joy to deliver such messages to us. Before he ever comes he has sought God in prayer and fasting. He has carefully considered his manner of speech and he comes with a burdened heart and love for our souls and well being. You can rest assured that when Nathan is sent it is a sign from a loving God that wants the best for His people. It may come through friend, pastor, trusted confidant or even someone you may not know. Nevertheless, let us take head when Nathan is sent.
