Deeper Life #270

And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul.

—2 Samuel 12:7

FOR SUBTLETY, FOR AMAZING INSIGHT, and for sublime courage, Nathan is unequaled. What a soul for God to have in His list! Would to God there were more preachers and Christian workers like Nathan!

King David did not even begin to realize, after a year of the grossest and most dastardly hypocrisy, that Nathan was brandishing the sword straight into his conscience. But after David gave his answer, Nathan thrust straight home, “Thou art the man!” David replied, “I have sinned against the LORD!” There was no bungling about Nathan’s work.

How do you suppose Nathan prepared himself for this moment of confrontation?

Prayer Thought: Search me, O God, and reveal any spiritual weakness that would make me vulnerable in the hour of trial.

SUGGESTED READING: 2 Samuel 12:1–14