Hearing His Voice #129

The LORD sent Nathan the prophet to tell David this story . . .

2 Samuel 12:1

David had sinned terribly and lived in denial for months. Perhaps in his mind he thought the scandal was over, but deep in his heart, he had to have known it wasn’t. But we know how our hearts can harden, sealing over past secrets and keeping them buried for years. David had buried his secret and refused to own up to its implications. No confession, no plea for forgiveness, no remorse. If the sin were ever to be dealt with, God would have to open the conversation.

So God sent the prophet Nathan to tell David a story—a story about sheep and an unjust owner. This may seem like a random but effective parable until we realize David’s background. He had been a shepherd in his early years. He would naturally side with the unprotected lambs. God knew that this story would resonate in David’s heart. If anything would move him out of his denial, a jolting parable about a stolen lamb ought to do it.

That’s often how God speaks to us. He uses the language of our hearts. He tends not to give bankers metaphors about agriculture, or to give dancers allegories about chemical reactions. Effective communicators know how to reach the heart, and God is the ultimate communicator. He shows us parables that grow out of our interests and resonate with our desires. He encourages us with stories and blessings we can relate to. And when He needs to correct or confront us, He breaks through our barriers by provoking our sympathies. He stirred up David with a story of injustice, and the “man after God’s own heart” came to his senses. When we need our eyes opened to reality, God can arrange for the circumstances of our lives and the stories we hear to hit home.

Father, You know how to speak my language. You know what’s important to me and where my sympathies lie. Use my heart to Your advantage. Let Your voice pierce all my defenses and change me.