Nathan’s Rebuke
2 Samuel 12:1-15
2 Samuel 12:1-15
Many are familiar with David’s sin involving Bathsheba, resulting in adultery and murder. Though these were dark pages in David’s record, they were preserved that lessons might be learned by those who followed after - 1 Co 10:11-12 “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” There are lessons to be learned, not only from David’s mistakes, but from the rebuke that Nathan gave to David because of his sin. Found in 2 Sam 12:1-15, Nathan’s rebuke will serve as the basis for our study. Please read this text.
Among the lessons that might be gleaned from “Nathan’s Rebuke” is this one we are often blind to in our own faults. In the case of David he could easily see the sin in the man of Nathan’s story - 2 Sam 12:5-6 “Then David's anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, "As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity."’ But he could not see it in himself; it took a direct accusation (“You are the man!”) by Nathan - 2 Sam 12:7 “Nathan said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul.”
In our case the same is often true. We can easily see the “mote” in another person’s eye, but not the “beam” in our own. There are several reasons why this may be so. We may let strong desires confuse the plain distinction between right and wrong. As an example, many have softened their views on divorce and remarriage when it hits their family, therefore changing our convictions on a position when it hits close to home. We may habitually flirt with evil, diminishing our sense of it as evil. An example here would accepting the world’s definition of immodesty in regards to apparel, therefore the standards of the world soon become our standards. We may refuse to apply principles of scripture to the moral nature of our personal conduct. For example, whether or not certain habits are consistent with the Christian life, therefore behaving in a way more becoming a person of the world, than one who is a child of God!
Because we are often blind to our own faults we need to be thankful for friends like Nathan. We need to be thankful for friends caring enough to bring our faults to our attention. For those friends courageous enough to challenge our conduct. We need to be like David. Open to the constructive criticism of others. Not so blind as to fail to see our faults when pointed out by others.
Another valuable lesson from “Nathan’s Rebuke” is that we learn the best way to bring about repentance by appealing to God’s love. Nathan reminded David of God’s great kindness - 2 Sam 12:7b-8 “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. And I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more.” This type of appeal is based upon God’s love and mercy as found in the preaching of the gospel. Paul made it in Ro 2:4 “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” Likewise Peter in Ac 10:34-36 “So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all),”, 42-43 “And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."’ -- In our own efforts to save or restore others, let’s be sure to make the same appeal to God’s love!
Another valuable lesson from “Nathan’s Rebuke” is that we learn the best way to reveal sin. Nathan was very clear in telling David what he did was wrong - 2 Sam 12:9 “Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.” In a similar way, the gospel makes it clear that all are sinners - Ro 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” -- Since people will not repent unless they realize they are sinners, it is necessary to help them see their sins (with the right attitude, of course).
Another valuable lesson from “Nathan’s Rebuke” is that we learn the best way to warn of the consequences. Nathan spelled out what would happen because of David’s sin - 2 Sam 12:10-12 “Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.' Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.'" The gospel, while it contains “good news”, is no different - Mk 16:15-16; Ro 2:5-11. -- As we seek to call others to repentance, we must in love and great solemnity point out the consequences of sin!
We will continue our examination of "Nathan's Rebuke" in part two of this lesson.
