Lesson 10 of the Follow Me Series
Followers Must Sometimes Be A Nathan
2 Sam 7
Grady (doc) Henley
Introduction:
You can pray and cry your eyes out until there are no tears left regarding a loved one to be saved. But, the facts still remain if you want to see that certain someone saved, you are going to have to pray, live what your profess, and witness to that loved one.
Someone hurt your feeling and you do not know what to do about it? You can pray. You can cry. You can write Dear Abby or Ann Landers, you can take your gripe to one of the brainless shows on television where people sit around and talk about the injustice done unto them and the fact still remains, nothing will change.
Regardless of the situations in your life, there comes a time when you will have to accept the fact that if you want something done, you will have to do it yourself. You will also need to be acutely aware that your task may not be a pleasant one, but remains something that God has called you to do. How you go about righting the wrong, restoring relations, or witnessing to a loved one depends upon several things including your testimony, being in God’s will, and God sending you, etc.
Such is where the prophet Nathan found himself on at least two occasions. One time it was a minor thing that he had to correct wherein he was as much at fault as was David. The second situation was more intense. An injustice loomed over the nation. Sin lived in the kingdom of Israel. Many folks knew about it, but no one was doing anything other than talking. Someone had to face the problem. Someone had to face the guilty. Someone had to reveal the error of their ways so that justice could be carried out as ordained.
Such is where you may find yourself. God may burden your heart to restore a relation, one of which you feel you were not the instigator of the lost fellowship and you do not believe it is your place to start the reconciliation process. However, the Lord may see things differently and if would behoove us to see things in light of His eyes.
If you want some things changed in your life or to see a wrong made right, duty may demand that you must play the role of Nathan! Should the Lord lead you to be a Nathan, I believe it wise to study what little we know of the man so that (y)our mannerisms will match his. That is, if we want the same results.
I. WHAT LITTLE WE KNOW.
Little is known about the person in the bible named Nathan the prophet. The word Nathan appears approximately 43 times in scripture. About 35 of these refer to the prophet in our study. Sixteen of the thirty-five or so occurrences refer to him as ‘Nathan the prophet.’ (Only Jeremiah the prophet is addressed more often as a prophet than Nathan. The prophet is associated with Jeremiah 25 times.)
According to ‘Unger’s Bible Dictionary’ Nathan lived in the reigns of David and Solomon. That he had influence with the two greatest kings of Israel says much for the man. That his word was obeyed without question is an understatement.
A. Made and Corrected His Mistakes;
The first time he is mentioned in scripture is in 2 Sam. 7:2. He appears on the scene, with out a background check, and maintains a close relationship with King David and Solomon.
Our introduction to the prophet is as if we are joining the king and the prophet in the middle of a conversation concerning the king’s new house. Though we are not told as biblical fact, I believe these two men are discussing King David’s new house and how great it would be to build the Lord a house more magnificent than the king’s.
How might you ask, do I come to believe such? The reason is human nature has not changed since creation save those that are born again. Folks three thousand years ago discussed the same topics with the same emotions as folks in the 21st century. Furthermore, once a person builds a house, a subtle signal is conveyed to all. What you are saying is “I am here to stay and my new house is proof!” For a king to build a palace tells the surrounding kingdoms: “I have subdued my enemies and I am at home and at peace with the world.”
Just as a side note, folks in 2004, regardless of the country wherein they live are doing the same three things that people did 5,000 years ago: living, working, dying. That is it. Some live better; other live worse. Some work harder; some work smarter. Some die young; some die old. Some die saved; others die lost.
That David values Nathan’s counsel is seen in David talking with him about his desire to build the Lord a house. These two men have a great love for the Lord, for right now they are walking and talking together, Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
1. Spoke quickly, 2 Sam 7:3.
Whether his commissioning King David to build the Lord a house was his first act or if he is a seasoned prophet, we do not know. All we know is what is recorded in his reply to King David’s comment and desire to build the Lord a house.
That he was also a man is seen in his human flaws of speaking without thinking. From his remark, we deduct that Nathan quickly gave his blessing on building the Lord a house without consulting the Lord.
Building the Lord a house was a good idea. Both of these men were sincere in their intentions. However, both were sincerely wrong to presume upon the Lord. How would you feel if someone just presumed upon you to build you a house with asking you about it? The idea is a good one, but if they are going to build you a house, you might want some say in what it is to look like.
These planners did not bother to ask the Creator how many rooms, what design, what material to use, etc. The very material they would use, was the very material He supplied! Surely they would have thought enough of the Creator to ask Him what He preferred.
If they were bold enough to build the Lord a house, they were bold enough to try and force Him to reside there and to turn upon Him should He refuse. This fickle action found in people is noted in how the residents of Jerusalem received the Lord Jesus Christ. He came riding into Jerusalem on the foal of an ass and the people welcomed the King of Jews. However, in a matter of days, this same city is crying Crucify him, Mark 15:13.
The Lord said nothing about wanting a house, 2 Sam 7:7 In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar? From the remark made by the Lord that night unto Nathan, we deduct that these two men were going to build the Lord a house of cedars whether He wanted one or not. Regardless of whether He wanted one or not, at this particular time does not matter! David and Nathan are about to build Him one.
If you think such thinking is presumptuous on my part, allow me to ask a question: Do you know anyone that acts in like manner? Sure you do. Christian today try to force the Lord to dwell in an unholy temple, 1 Cor. 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 1 Cor. 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 1 Pet 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. People today take the Lord places of which He does not want to go.
2. Corrected his error, 2 Sam 7:4-17.
After their conversation that night, the prophet walked home feeling good about his conversation with the king. He told Sister Nathan, his wife, that tomorrow he and King David would start designing a house for the Lord, and in just a few weeks, they would start construction!
Is that not how we think of self and the things we plan on doing? If you just had a one on one discussion with your pastor and came home with a big smile on your face, would your wife inquire as to what you all talked about the minute you walked in the front door? Would you feel important because you were in on the ‘ground breaking’ plan of one of the biggest building programs since Noah’s Ark?
To show us how much we value self and our opinions, the Lord used Haman in the book of Esther to reveal the folly of a man esteeming himself and his word more so than one should. Haman thought of himself as the most important man in the kingdom of Persia! His name appears 50 times in 43 verses in the book of Esther. The lady of whom the book is named, Esther, has her naming appearing 53 times in 43 verses.
That night as they planned to build God a house, King David and the prophet Nathan thought a lot like Haman. However, the best laid plans of mice and men will fail. Haman’s evil plot failed and the plan conceived that night by Nathan the prophet and King David is about to be foiled as well.
That night as Nathan lay in his bed, the word of the Lord came to him in a vision. What was revealed to him in the night watch by the Lord straightened out the miscommunication and their lofty intentions regarding the Lord’s house before it progressed past the planning stage.
Allow me to paraphrase what is recorded in the dialogue between God and prophet, 2 Sam. 7:2-16, 1 Chr. 28:3-20. “Nathan, you and David, have presumed upon my mercies to build a house of your choosing and in the location you deem best! You both do err for neither of you consulted me in this matter. Furthermore, you gave your blessing to my servant instead of giving him Mine. Now, get down there first thing in the morning and correct the error of your ways! You and David assumed that you knew my will. How could either of you know my will without consulting me! David is a man of war and has shed much blood. My house will be a house of prayer and peace. I will give him the plans for the building, what it is to be constructed of, and I will provide the materials. Planning the house and storing the material is as for as either of you will go in this matter. Do you understand?”
That Nathan understood and acted there on is undisputable. Nathan did as God commanded and set out to correct this seemingly innocent harmless mistake of presuming to build the Lord a house. Tomorrow morning the prophet Nathan has an important errand that demands his immediate attention.
B. His Methods
Now should God call you to be a Nathan in some situation, you might want to think back over some circumstances in your life and contemplate upon how you handled it. Do not worry about the magnitude of the event; be concerned with your actions.
Did the Lord lay something upon you that needed your direct attention? Did you allow some minor thing to slide? Did you shrug it off as nothing to be concerned about for in your thinking you thought that to confront the issue would cause greater conflict than you now faced?
If such is how you thought, then why not compare your actions over that minor incident to this one recorded between Nathan and David regarding the housing project for the Lord. How did Nathan handle his error? Did you respond as this great man of God?
In considering this great man of God and how he conducted himself, do not forget to take into considerations both of his confrontations with King David. One was rather light and the other was extremely dangerous. However, both required the same ingredients: obedience
1. Spoke boldly.
When the sun arose that morning, so did the prophet. He knew he had some business to attend unto for the Lord. What time of the day do you suppose Nathan called upon the king? Reckon he waited until the afternoon or was he there before 9:00 AM? We do not know the time, but we do know he went straight to the king and set the matter straight. “Thus saith the Lord…”
If you are called upon to act, as did Nathan, then obedience to the word of the Lord is a must. Though it was not an easy task to tell the king to ‘back off’ such is exactly what Nathan did.
2. Correction.
Nathan did not mince words when it came to setting the record straight on the Lord’s house. How did you act in your situation? Did you speak sweet pleasant words that failed to convey the will of the Lord?
How important was it for Nathan to correct that error regarding the house of the Lord? He had the same options as you. He could have ignored the words of the Lord and went right on with the building program. In so doing, all their labors would have been in vain, Psa. 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
Obedience unto the word of the Lord is always important, not matter the magnitude of the situation.
II. Nathan the Prophet
Thinking about this man and the situations he faced and the reactions from King David, one is immediately faced with the stark reality that Nathan was a man of great authority and respect. It is amazing how much authority was behind the words he spoke. Perhaps this is why we are reminded sixteen times of his title: Nathan the prophet.
There is also another wonderful fact about Nathan the prophet and that is no miracles are recorded as being performed through him by the Lord. It was not uncommon during these days of the prophets for them to substantiate their claims as being prophets of God by way of miracles. This was how Moses established his calling to the nation of Israel, (Exo. 4:4 And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand: 4:5 That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.) and this action was carried over into the ministry of Joshua as well.
Elisha asked for a double portion of what Elijah possessed and called upon the name of the LORD to reveal Himself unto His servant. 2 Ki 2:14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over. God performed many miracles so that the nation of Israel would know that Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Elisha, and Jesus were doing His will.
Not so with Nathan. No miracle is recorded as being performed by him. Nathan is placed as the prophet of God and though we are not told so directly, rather it appears to be implied, that Nathan was established as prophet by the Lord God Himself.
There was another witness necessary for the prophet to be accredited and that is When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him, Due. 18:22.
Nathan made approximately five prophecies:
a. 2 Sam 7:4-17—prophesied concerning the eternal house of the Lord.
b. 2 Sam 12:10—prophesied that the sword would not leave David’s house, Luke 2:35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
c. 2 Sam 12: 11—prophesied that evil would come against David.
d. 2 Sam 12:11—prophesied that David’s wives would be taken
e. 2 Sam 12:14—prophesied that the child would die.
Of the five, four came to pass. As of this writing the vision given to him by the Lord concerning the eternal house of the son of David has not yet come to pass. However, we are sure that it will, for every prophet in the Old Testament has prophesied the same thing. Therefore, if Nathan lied, so did all the others, for each of the prophets of God told of the Lord establishing an eternal house with Jesus Christ ruling and reigning forever.
A. Prophet of God
If there were no miracles performed by Nathan and the prophecy he made some 3,500 years ago has not come to pass, then why is he not passed off as a false prophet? 1 Th. 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? The nation of Israel still awaits their Messiah. Two thousands years after His ascension, church age saints still awaits His Second Coming.
B. His Authority
The king, without question, accepted the word from Nathan the prophet as the word of God and abandoned the building project. From this we understand that Nathan had an upright testimony with the king as well as the entire nation. So much so that as we will see, when he gave the word that a sin was forgiven, no one questioned his authority.
1. The vision.
There is much more to this vision than is recorded in those short verses, for what is recorded in 2 Samuel 7 is a summary of at least 4,500 years. (The millennium reign of Christ is taken into consideration here.)
That vision that flooded over Nathan that night was the revealed word of God and His plans for the ages as seen through the reigns of King David, Solomon, and Jesus. Nathan the prophet saw the Temple, the Bride of Christ, the church, and the thousand-year reign of King Jesus upon the throne of King David. As the Lord revealed to him the eternal house, Nathan could very well have seen the New Jerusalem, Rev 21:2.
The main reason I believe the vision seen by Nathan the prophet was a prophetic revelation of the kingdom of Israel and eternity is because what he told King David is the only prophetic thing related to Jesus recorded as being spoken by him.
If we take the vision and his prophetic message to King David literally as recorded in 2 Sam. 7, and there is no reason not to, we then come to understand that Nathan the prophet saw the reigns of King David, Solomon, and the eternal house that would be constructed by the greatest son of David, the Lord Jesus Christ, in all their temporal and eternal glory! It is safe to say this for the direct revelation about the house of God, the Temple, referred to the one erected by King Solomon. However, the eternal house had direct application to reign of King Jesus. 2 Sam 7:13
He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.
King David and Nathan the prophet in their thinking were not thinking long term regarding their building project. The Lord’s thoughts on the matter of the eternal house far exceeded theirs.
God thoughts are seldom not in line with ours, Isa. 55:8-9.
2. Up and about the business of the Lord.
The next morning Nathan the prophet wasted no time in seeking an audience with the king to relay the vision. King David did not dispute his word. He could have said something to the effect, “Make up your mind Nathan. You are supposed to be a prophet! Get it right! Do you know the penalty for proclaiming yourself to be a prophet and then the evidence prove you to be a false one?”
3. The rebuke.
God revealed to Nathan the error of him speaking out of turn without consulting the Lord. This correction is very important for it lays the groundwork for the next time he confronts the king.
King David accepted the word spoken by Nathan as the direct revealed word of God as spoken by a prophet of God. This alone also reveals that David was a man of faith for he did not ask for a sign from the Lord that Nathan was telling the truth. The word of the prophet was so commanding that the king obeyed without hesitation and gave praise as well, 2 Sam 7:18 Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?
4. Took his job seriously
By the way in which the words of Nathan were honored by men, from the king of the nation down to the lowly servants, reveals that Nathan took his job seriously. His walk matched his talk. He was fully aware of his responsibility to the Lord and unto the nation to be circumspectly in his walk. Eph 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Nathan was a man void of divided loyalties. He knew that those things that he accomplished and the words he spoke in the hearing of the nation were from the Lord. No one had to ask if Nathan was a prophet. His personal testimony attested to his status.
5. Are we serious?
When we speak of the things of God, do people respect us? Do they take our words seriously? Is our testimony among our family and friends a lot like Lot’s, Gen 19:9, 14? He was mocked. Are we?
Job said that when he walked by, the aged men rose in his presence and the young men hid. They respected Job. Job 29:8 The young men saw me, and hid themselves: and the aged arose, and stood up. Even when Job’s wife told him to curse God and die, he still maintained his testimony and his love for the things of God, Job 2:9.
Nathan was a respected man. He was serious and faithful to his calling. Such is a pattern for us.
III. HIS GREAT MISSION.
Someone once said that the lion and the bear in young David’s life prepared him to meet Goliath, 1 Sam 17:37 David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. There is probably much to that statement for the same principle is found in the life of Nathan as well. Recall that being obedient unto the Lord’s command was necessary to confront the king regarding the housing project. Obedience will be mandatory again as it is in all matters pertaining unto our service for the Lord.
A. In Fellowship With the King Or With the Lord?
Sometimes in our service to the Lord we will make a decision that will affect us for the remainder of our lives. Friendships are often severed when one takes a stand for the Lord. Should you ever find yourself in a situation regarding adultery and murder in the life of a friend or king, whose side will you take? Will you remain friends with the king and or will you side with the Lord? Such is the decision Nathan must make.
1. God’s man was willing to be used.
As was stated previously, it is not recorded that he performed any miracles. Thus, the question that naturally comes to mind is how do we know he was God’s man? The way we know he was God’s man was because when God needed something set right, Nathan stepped in and became the mouth piece for the Lord.
Once we begin to ponder this man and the messages he delivered, we then begin to contemplate upon the great faith and courage he possessed. Have you confronted the king with the sin of presumptuousness? How about adultery and murder? Were you ever called upon to set a king upon a throne simply by the power of your testimony, 1 Ki. 1:11-34. These kings and would be kings did not question the testimony of God’s man.
2. Line upon line.
Nathan was faithful in delivering the rebuke concerning the house King David wanted to build but was denied the blessings of God in that particular endeavor. When it came time for him to set the king straight on the issues of adultery and murder, Nathan did not waver in his duty. Luke 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
3. David’s great sin.
To think that the prophet Nathan, as well as many citizens of the city, did not know that King David and Bathsheba were having an affair, 2 Sam 11:4 And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. is foolish thinking on our part. People knew. Those in the know talk; especially about you and the things you are doing. Talking about the king is no exceptions. (Recall how the world talked about our past president Bill Clinton?)
Bathsheba and King David were having a great time while Uriah was fighting for David and Israel. Their adultery continued for about two to three months and then Bathsheba realized that she was pregnant. Her husband has been on the battlefield and the only other man in her life for the past few months was King David. One day she came to the king with some startling news: “David, you are going to be a father!”
How were they going to get out of this mess? What better way than to bring Uriah home from the battlefield for a little R&R (rest and relaxation with his family, especially his wife!) King David thought that the first and foremost thing in Uriah's heart would be to go and spend time with Bathsheba.
David sent for Uriah to come home and report to him how the battle was progressing. After this faithful man made a battlefield report to the king, the king sent him home to refresh himself with his wife. The king thought that this would cover their sin as Bathsheba was not that far along into her pregnancy.
Once word came back to the king that Uriah slept at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house, 2 Sam 11:9, and knowing he could not coerce Uriah to perform the duty of a husband without exposing his scheme and sin, David then resorted to murder and devised an evil plot to cover his sins.
4. The devious plot.
Even General Joab, on the battlefield and away from Jerusalem, knew something was amiss when he received the orders to set Uriah in the forefront of the battle and then leave him to fight alone, 2 Sam 11:14-25. General Joab knew that this request was somewhat unusual. Being the opportunist that he was, Joab knew he might be able to use this against the king sometimes in the future.
Where Uriah was disobedient to the king’s command, Joab was obedient. Poor Uriah goes into the battle and little did he realize that a devious plot was set in motion against him. He fell that day in battle and King David thought he had covered his sins, Num 14:41 And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the LORD? but it shall not prosper, Prov. 28:13.
General Joab knew the king would be interested in knowing how the battle was progressing and he therefore sent word back to King David regarding the battle. As a footnote, he told the servant that should the king be upset over the battle, then say at the end of the message: "Uriah is dead!"
The context of the note that details the death of Uriah is not revealed until Joab sent word back
to the king. Joab knew the king would be greatly interested in finding out that Uriah is dead and how he died. These two men, Joab and David, compared the death of Uriah, the man of integrity, to the death of one of Israel’s mass murders. In order to grasp the depths of man’s self justification, compare the context of the death of Uriah, 2 Sam 11, to the acts of Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth, (Gideon), Judges 9. David summed up the death of Uriah by saying something to the effect: “Oh well, the sword in battle devours one as well as another. Don’t worry about the death of Uriah. Shake it off and you all be more careful!”
B. The Lord Sent Nathan To David
Once the word of the Lord came to Nathan about David and his sins, and what the Lord want him to do, Nathan knew he had a far greater and heavier message to deliver to the king than the one regarding the foiled building program.
This message weighing upon his heart, once delivered, might just cost him his life. If the king can order one man to die, the second order to have a man slain will be easier than the first. General Joab would be more than willing to remove Nathan the prophet if he thought it would get him just a bit more control over the life of the king. If David wanted Nathan’s head in a basket, Joab would be the man for the job.
When John the Baptist confronted a ruler, it cost John his head. Both John and Nathan’s message are similar in context and penalty, Mat 14:3 For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife. 14:4 For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.
1. Timing
From the time they started their affair until the birth of the child at least nine months to even a year has passed. All that time King David has been out of fellowship with the Lord. Did he offer his sacrifices for sin as commanded by the Law? Did he bring his trespass offering? How about a peace offering? Always bear in mind that during this time in his life, according to the Law of Moses, he was to make sacrifices or bring the proper offering to the priest. Not just for great sins, but for all sins. The book of Leviticus tells us much about what was to be offered and when.
Since the death of Uriah, we do not know if Nathan and King David talked about the affairs of the kingdom or the war. Common reasoning tells us that they had communication during this time or they probably saw one another as they went about their daily affairs.
2. Did not take it upon himself to confront the king.
That Nathan the prophet knew King David had an affair with Bathsheba before she was with child would not be surmising too much on this topic. It would not be wrong to believe that talk reached
Nathan that Bathsheba was expecting a child and that Uriah has been away from home for months.
The reasons we can safely teach such is:
a. It was no secret that Uriah was on the battlefield.
b. It was no secret King David inquired about the woman and had her brought into his chamber, 2 Sam 11:3 And David sent and inquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? 2 Sam 11:4 And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.
Servants talk. Even servants of God in the local New Testament church talk today about things of which they have no business. (The more people involved in a matter, the more complicated it gets!)
Although I personally believe Nathan was aware of what King David was doing and about him having Uriah killed, he said nothing. He waited until God moved him to confront the king.
C. Thus Saith The Lord.
Probably the four most powerful words in the book of 2 Samuel, other than Thus saith the Lord, are Thou art the man. When Nathan uttered those words he immediately became the bravest man in the nation of Israel at that time. He could not have confronted the king had not the Lord been with him.
2 Sam 12:1 And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. Nathan did not come straight to the point when he confronted the king over his sin with Bathsheba as he did over their building project. Instead, he used a parable to bring the error of the king out so that King David condemned himself.
Observe how quick David was to point out the sins of another while keeping his hidden. The bible says that David’s anger was kindled greatly! When David heard that story he thought something like: “How dare someone to act in such a manner!”
David was about to exert his power and bring the culprit to justice. All he lacks is the man’s name and the person that knows this great sinner is standing before him. David will get Nathan to tell him so that he as king can execute justice!
1. What was the attitude of the king?
Have you ever been out of fellowship with the Lord? Has there been a sin in your life that weighs you down as a millstone about your neck? What was your attitude when you were living in sin and out of fellowship with the Lord? If you can imagine the added burden of murder and adultery then you have an idea of what King David had endured for the past year!
When you were out of fellowship, did your friends want to associate with you? The norm is when we are out of fellowship with the Lord; we do not invite the preacher over for Sunday dinner. Do you know someone that has a bad attitude? Have you ever considered whether they were in fellowship with the Lord?
Though we are not told directly that Psalm 38 reveals his overall character during this time when he was out of fellowship, it does cause us to recall our rebellious conduct. Because of our attitude when we are out of fellowship or the will of God, folks tend to avoid us like the plague, Ps. 38:11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.
Nathan knew the attitude of the king. He knew why the king was angry and why folks avoided him. God revealed all that to him before he confronted King David. Psa. 32:3 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. Psa. 32:4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. Knowing all of that did not deter Nathan from his task.
2. Thou art the man.
Once Nathan told the parable, the king’s anger was kindled greatly! He was ready to kill someone in a fit of anger. During this time that his anger was building, the man of God stood his ground, knowing that should the king decide to vent his anger, he could very well vent it on Nathan.
Has someone ever brought your sin to light? How did you treat that someone? Were your ready to lash out at them? Have you ever grew angry because a state police officer in your state gave you a ticket for speeding? If so, why did you grow angry at a man for doing a job of which your taxes paid him?
This great man of God does not stop with this parable. He continues right on and speaks boldly some of the bravest words ever recorded: “Thou art the man! David you are guilty! I am not talking about someone from one of the other tribes of Israel. I am talking to you. You are guilty!”
3. Woe be unto us all.
When we fail to live the whole counsel of God, woe be unto us! It is one thing to preach long and loud God is love, John 3:16, 1 John 4:16. It is another message to preach our God is a consuming fire, Deut 4:24-26, that will destroy the rebellious. New Testament saints are guilty of thinking of God as a consuming fire that wil consume the heathens. However, a close study of the New Testament reveals that the same things the Lord hated in the Old Testament, is still hated in the New.
The problem with America today is not what is on television. The problem with America is not whether the Democrats or the Republicans are in control of congress or the White House. The problem is preachers, as a whole, are afraid to confront sin. Thus, the local body is afraid to confront sin. There are too many who are afraid to be like Nathan and deal with the sins of the people.
Today it is considered negative preaching to talk of sin so that people are convicted via the Holy Ghost and preaching so that they repent and confess. Negatives have become positives. In making them such, woe is upon us, Isa. 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isa. 5:21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Isa. 5:22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Isa. 5:23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
Preaching the truth about sin is not negative preaching. It is positive preaching. Some do not preach the truth about sin because they lack the courage. They know it takes a lot less courage to preach what people want to hear than what they need to hear
D. God Used Nathan.
How did God use Nathan? God led Nathan to use his intellectual talents so that when he spoke to the king about his sin, a short parable performed spiritual surgery on his heart. (Always remember: When God performs open-heart surgery, He does not use anesthetics. You will feel it all!)
Nathan knew David had sinned and that those things had to be EXPOSED and REMOVED. Observe what Nathan did! He told David a story that David thought was a true. As the king and just ruler of the people, it was his responsibility to see that wrongs were righted. However, he could not right the wrong in the life of another until the wrongs were right in his life.
Many times we have to see the evil in someone else’s life before we can see it in our own life. This is where God’s man, whether it be Nathan, your pastor, or a dear friend steps out and does the work that others shun. God used Nathan to show king David that he could not hide his sins from himself, the nation, or from the Lord.
Did you know that you cannot sin without others knowing about it? God will see to it that
someone will know. Probably, David thought everything was all right. No one was going to confront him. He was the king. He assumed that he had committed the perfect crime.
We actually play games with sin and hide it from OURSELVES and from OTHERS for a little while. However, those sins will find us out, Num 32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out. What does that mean? It means that sin will seek us and will find us when we least expect it. Because of Nathan’s obedience to God, David realized he could not sin and get away with it. Have we realized such?
David’s sin found him? Reckon we have one or two looking for us? King David was on his throne with his found him? Where will we be when our finds us? It would be best to get rid of that sin before it comes home to stay.
IV. DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A NATHAH?
Have you given much thought to fact that someday you might be called upon by the Lord to be a Nathan? Jer. 37:9 Thus saith the LORD; Deceive not yourselves,… 1 Cor. 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
Do you have the spiritual fortitude to make your stand and confront sin, no matter what it takes or whom you confront? Have you made your stand with the words of God over minor issues? If not, how then do you expect to take a stand against greater issues?
Have you deceived yourself by saying that you have what it takes to be a Nathan, that you will place your life on the line for the Lord should you be called upon to do so and yet, you do not go out on visitation, you never pray in public, you do not invite family, friends, and co workers to church or even witness to them about the love of God? That is a question only you can answer. Gal 4:16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
A. Correcting.
One perquisite for being a Nathan is you must possess enough self-discipline to correct yourself. Self-discipline is accomplished by remaining faithful in the work and will of the Lord. Daily bible reading is a must along with private prayer time, and living what your profess so that other realize that your confession is equal to your possession.
Those early disciples had a trademark that all could see. One outstanding characteristic common among them was their boldness. It mattered not if they were alone or with other disciples, they were bold and courageous in their work for the Lord. These great men and women grew in faith because they were obedient one situation at a time and by spending time with the Lord, Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
One does not need a college degree to be bold in the Lord. All that is needed is to spend one’s time wisely with the Lord and in His word. Once we are right in the word and will of God, the Spirit will lead us in the matters of service.
At some times in our lives, we will all need correcting. Paul corrected Peter, Gal 2:11-12. Agabus corrected Paul, Acts 21:10-11. The instructions for correcting are, Mat 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Mat 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
There is a ruler sitting on the throne in you life. Do you know the name of this monarch? If you look in the mirror you will see him or her. This being rules over your domain. Who corrects who or who keeps whom in line? Can you govern his herald (the tongue) James 1:26, so that the emperor always speaks wise words and says the right thing at the right time? If the Lord is ruling in your life, the Spirit of God will keep the flesh in line. Paul goes into great detail about this issue of servant and Master in Romans 6 and 7.
Nathan kept his body under subjection. Therefore, when he corrected David, David could not look at Nathan and say, “Yes, but Nathan, I know you! I know what you did to…” Nathan corrected the king because the Lord ruled in the life of Nathan. 1 Cor. 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
B. Restoration
What was the ministry of Nathan? Was it simply to reveal to David the error and evil of his ways and leave him in a state of misery? Such is what many do when they try to be a Nathan without the Lord leading them. All the flesh can do is set someone on a vicious cycle of guilt. Not so with the working of the Spirit of the Lord in one’s life. Along with God calling Nathan to correct David, he was also instructed to restore David.
The full ministry of Nathan was to confront the king in his sin, point out the error of his ways, bring the king to a point of confession, and then he was to restore him into fellowship with his Creator. All this was accomplished by him taking a right stand. Once he made his stand, the Lord could work on David's heart. It is accomplished by the washing and regeneration of the word of God acting in accord with a humble spirit that confesses and forsakes their sins. It must not be done half way. If God leads you into confronting, He is leading you into restoration as well.
1. After your mistakes.
The call of restoration is necessary after the confrontation because of the need for the repentant one to feel worthy to serve the Lord again. All the while they were out of fellowship they were continually vexed with thoughts such as: “Give up the fight. Resign! God is not going to restore you. You are used less now than you were before; furthermore, since your fall, you are now useless!”
Sound familiar? After we make a mistake that guilty feeling sets in on us and for a while we are so sick of what we have done, we are ineffective for the cause of Christ.
If the guilt feelings do not rob us of our joy, the flesh and Satan will. Our mind is constantly bombarded with thoughts such as: “Do you really believe God will restore you? Do you really believe those folks at that church, the very ones you call brother and sister, are going welcome you with open arms?” Such are the thoughts and feelings we battle.
The great prophet Elijah, 1 Kings 19, felt this way. So relax. You are in good company. Everyone has felt like giving up at some time or the other. When faced with frustration and contemplating on giving up, answer these questions:
· “When you give up, what do you lose?
· “What are the alternatives?
Would it be thinking too much to say that even the Lord at one time felt as if He were fighting the good fight alone? Many of His disciples left him because His teaching was too hard. Simon Peter made a profound statement that is worth all of us considering as the Holy Spirit works to restore us: John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. John 6:69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
Who else is there to turn to except the Lord? That old song, “Where Could I Go But To The Lord” will bring some comfort during these tumultuous times. There is no place else to turn. Getting away from the Lord was what brought us to this particular place in our life. Why go farther away from Him?
Consider your estate when you were out of fellowship with the Lord and how you felt. Such is the burden the one you confronted has dealt with since their fall. Therefore, compassion is necessary, Jude 1:22. Just a little compassion during the season of restoration will do much.
2. Consider what brought them to this point in their life, Gal 6:1.
It is necessary for the erring one to realize what sin brought them to this point in their life. Not to relive or glory over it; rather to recognize that error for what it is so that it can be avoided.
At one time, David could refresh King Saul when the evil spirits troubled him by playing on the harp, 1 Sam 16:23. At one time David encouraged himself in the Lord, 1 Sam 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. At one time in his life, King David forgot from whence came his blessing. It was then he sought refreshments and encouragements in forbidden places.
David’s mistake started with him tarrying at home while the armies of Israel were in battle. The word tarried here seems to imply that David had good intentions of going to the battlefield, but instead he allowed other things to hinder him. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time and acted in the wrong manner.
The only way any good will come out of such a situation is after one has repented. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time and acting the fool is a formula for failure. Only God can make something good come out of our errors.
As he tarried still in Jerusalem, he appears to have gotten somewhat bored and he found himself ‘upon the roof’ looking at a beautiful woman taking a bath. Now this is the king’s house of cedar, 2 Sam 11:2, so in order to justify his actions, he could say, “This is my house. I can go upon my roof anytime I feel like it.”
Such is true. As Christians we have certain liberties in Christ. However, we can not use these liberties as a means of causing a weaker member to stumble and be entrapped as was David, 1 Cor. 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. Nathan rebuked David and told him that he had given the enemies of Israel cause to blaspheme, 2 Sam 12:14.
When this old world starts getting me down; And people are just too much for me to face; I climb way up to the top of the stairs; And all my cares just drift right into space; On the roof, it’s peaceful as can be And there the world below can’t bother me Let me tell you now
When I come home feelin’ tired and beat; I go up where the air is fresh and sweet (up on the roof); I get away from the hustling crowd; And all that rat-race noise down in the street (up on the roof); On the roof, the only place I know; Where you just have to wish to make it so; Let’s go up on the roof (up on the roof); At night the stars put on a show for free; And, darling, you can share it all with me
I keep a-tellin’ you; Right smack dab in the middle of town; I’ve found a paradise that’s trouble proof (up on the roof); And if this world starts getting you down; There’s room enough for two; Up on the roof (up on the roof); Up on the roo-oo-oof (up on the roof) Oh, come on, baby (up on the roof); Oh, come on, honey (up on the roof); Everything is all right (up on the roof)“ ‘Upon the Roof as recorded by The Drifiters; written by Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King
The point in all this is if David had been doing the business of the king, he would not have found himself upon the roof. Had be been leading his army, he would not have played the fool as did ‘Peeping Tom.’ If Bathsheba had been doing what she should have, she would not have been seen naked upon her roof.
In restoring one to a state of useful service for the Lord, it is necessary to cause them to see where they erred. Not for glorifying the sin but for edification so that a learning point is established. Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
V. THE AUTHORITY OF THE PROPHET, 2 Sam. 12:13.
Each time I read this conversation between Nathan the prophet and David the king when Nathan confronted David with his sin, I am always amazed at the authority Nathan the prophet possessed. When he stated that the Lord had put away the sin of David, no one questioned his authority. (Keep in mind, as was stated previously, it is not recorded that he ever performed one miracle as proof that he was a prophet of God.) At the time he stated that God had put away David’s sin, as far as we know, Nathan has not uttered one prophecy that had yet came to fulfillment. It matters not; no one questioned him as to whether he was valid prophet or not.
For Nathan to possess this authority is remarkable. Job said as much of the Lord, Job 9:12 Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou? So did Nebuchadnezzar, Dan 4:35. The son of David said that where there was a king, there was power and no one could ask him what he was doing, Eccl 8:4. David could have asked Nathan just who did he think he was to come in and accuse the king of adultery and murder. Yet, even King David did not dispute Nathan.
That no one asked a sign from God to prove that the king’s sin was put away, is in and of itself somewhat amazing when we consider:
1. The authority of Moses was questioned, Num 16,
2. The authority of Jesus was questioned, Mat 21:23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? Mat 21:24 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
3. The authority of Peter and Paul was questioned in their early ministry.
4. The authority of numerous Old Testament prophets was questioned. Ezek 12:9 Son of man, hath not the house of Israel, the rebellious house, said unto thee, What doest thou?
Regardless, here is Nathan the prophet courageously proclaiming that God had put away the sin of the king. With the power of his authority given unto him by God Almighty, Nathan the prophet stilled the Law of Moses where it stated that the penalty for murder, as well as adultery, was death. Exo. 21:12-17, Lev 20:10 And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death, John 8:4-5.
The slayer, his motive, his accomplices, and the murder weapon were all known. David’s confession could not be compared to finding a man dead outside the city walls and no one knowing what caused his death, Deut 21:1-9, 19:10-13.
Nathan had the very thing that every prosecuting attorney in capital murder trials hopes for and that was an oral confession of murder (and adultery) in the ears of witnesses.
As soon as the confession was manifested, mercy was immediately given: …I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die, 2 Sam. 12:13.
Have you considered what was sacrificed in place of David and Bathsheba for their sins? The sins of the father are often visited upon the children, even up to the fourth generation. If the sacrifice was not the innocent life of the child, 2 Sam. 12:18, we are left to ponder if Nathan went out and offered a sacrifice for them.
If neither of those happened, then what the scriptures reveals is King David is a type of the New Testament saint receiving infinite grace by way of a humble confession, Eph. 2:8-9.
If grace was offered in place of justice, then the next questions that demands an answer are:
(a) Why did the nation of Israel reject Jesus as the Son of David and rightful heir to the throne of their greatest king?
(b) Why would they reject Him as their Saviour, but accepted the fact that David was forgiven in spite of the Law of Moses with no questions asked and no signs requested?
Compare the actions and authority of Nathan the prophet in this situation to the reactions and verbal abuse thrown upon Jesus in Mat. 12. Consider the miracles performed by Jesus to substantiate His claim as being God in the flesh and yet scripture does not record any miracles performed via Nathan. However, when Jesus performed miracles, when Jesus plucked corn on the Sabbath to show he was Lord of the Sabbath, the people asked, “Is this not the son of David?’ While the Pharisees accused Him of being a devil.
Luke 5:20 And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. Luke 5:21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? Observe what the learned men of Israel thought about Jesus when He forgave a man’s sin. Nathan did it and no one questioned him.
When the scribes and Pharisees asked Jesus for a sign, to prove His claims, Mat 12:38, He did not do miracles for them. Instead, He used Jonah as the Old Testament type of His New Testament truth that He was God in the flesh and He would conquer death.
It matters not the miracles Jesus performed. The nation rejected Him, and yet, this same race of people accepted the authority of Nathan the prophet with no questions asked. Human nature and man’s free will goes beyond comprehension.
VI. His Legacy.
One of the last acts recorded of Nathan was in establishing Solomon on the throne of David, 1 Ki. 1:45. Even in open rebellion, and in confronting the rebellious, his word and authority is again not questioned, 1 Kings 1.
He also is credited with having a book named after him wherein was recorded the acts of David and Solomon or he is accredited with writing a book that bears his name. It all depends on how one understands 1 Chr. 29:29 and 2 Chr. 9:29.
Nathan legacy does not stop with him. He was such a man of God that it carried over to his children. One of his children, Zabud, 1 Ki. 4:5 (pronounced Zabad 1 Chr. 2:36) is only mentioned in those two passages. His name appears only once, but is pronounced differently.
However, if you want to know what kind of man Zabud (Zabad) was, you will have to look at every passage of scripture that refers to what constitutes a friend. 1 Ki. 4:5 And Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; and Zabud (Pronounced Zabad 1 Chr. 2:36) the son of Nathan was principal officer, and the king’s friend: Zabud was the king’s friend. Imagine being a friend of King Solomon! King Solomon was the wisest king that ever lived. His wealth would be equal to that of any multi-billionaire in our age. Regardless of his wealth and wisdom, his friend was a guy named Zabud.
CONCLUSION:
King David was guilty of presumptuous sins in 2 Sam 7. He was in bondage to sin, 2 Sam. 12. In both instances, Nathan acted with a sense of setting the man free.
That is our main goal should God call upon us to act in the manner, as did Nathan; proceed with the spiritual attitude of success. Nathan did not proceed to set King David straight with a ‘me right; you wrong’ attitude. His full intentions were three-fold: (1) obey God (2) remove the sin from the nation of Israel (3) Restoration.
Should it become your lot in life to take a stand, as did Nathan, consider your ways. Consider your words. Be sure that the words you say are those that God wants you to say. Be sure that what you are doing is the work of the Lord and not a work of the flesh. Be sure you wait until the Lord sends you and do not allow Satan to use you as he did King David.
