August 14 | 2 Samuel 12:1-13

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DAILY READING

2 Samuel 12:1-13

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REFLECTION

Difficult Truth

by Pr. Dave Mann

The account of King David, Bathsheba, Uriah, and Nathan is one of the most well-known stories in the Old Testament (2 Samuel 11 & 12). It depicts the heinous and selfish use of power for personal pleasure, followed by the words of a wise prophet, and the king’s repentance. But it is exactly the familiarity with a biblical story that can insulate us from allowing the Holy Spirit to apply its truth to our own lives.

The prophet Nathan was a wise man. He knew that if he approached the king directly with an accusation of sin, David would stiffen his neck and refuse to hear out Nathan in all he had to say. Therefore, Nathan couched his rebuke in a parable and let David apply his own moral judgment to the fictitious matter to get at the underlying truth. After hearing the full parable, the king came down hard on the rich man who had innumerable flocks of sheep, for his theft of the poor man’s ewe lamb. Then, Nathan levied his famous line, “You are the man!” And David quickly recognized that the invented parable was describing his own action. He responded with repentance, “I have sinned against the Lord.”

We know the story well, but we probably are more likely to think of others who should hear this story rather than ourselves. Ironically, we are just like David, ready to protect ourselves from any accusations, whether they be false or true. So, let’s listen to a parable of the parable – brought to you by Veggie Tales. 😊 To watch the entire episode (King George and the Ducky), you must rent or buy it. But there are portions of some of the songs available for free on YouTube.

To capture the early development of King George’s selfish thoughts of getting yet one more rubber ducky from a poor person in his realm, check out this song. Click here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr1at7PzkRQ

Now hear the wise man, Melvin, tell the king a parable that infuriates him against the unjust subject who turns out to be himself. Click here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpsFbQWHZnE

Questions for introspection:

• What do I allow my selfish heart to yearn to have more of, even though I have more than enough?

• Whom might the Lord use to speak to me about difficult matters?

• Am I open to hearing the hard truth from anyone?

• When confronted by truth, am I quick to repent?

PRAYER

Holy God, thank you for all the blessings you have already given me, more than what I deserve. Yet, I ask for two more gifts. Send me a wise person who can speak truth to me about my life. Grant me a soft heart to receive such difficult words so that I might repent. In Jesus’ name, Amen.