Then David’s anger burned greatly against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, surely the man who has done this deserves to die. He must make restitution for the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and had no compassion.”
Nathan then said to David, “You are the man! Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘It is I who anointed you king over Israel and it is I who delivered you from the hand of Saul. I also gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your care, and I gave you the house of Israel and Judah; and if that had been too little, I would have added to you many more things like these! Why have you despised the word of the Lord by doing evil in His sight? 2 Samuel 12:6-9
In a dramatic fashion Nathan confronts David with his sin. He tells a story that gets David so emotionally involved and passionate for righteousness that the king pronounces instantaneous judgment upon the subject of the story. David didn’t realize that Nathan was telling his very story by way of an allegory. Then comes the pronouncement of guilt and the recognition of his sin. There would be enormous consequences. The baby would die. David’s household would experience terrible strife. David’s reputation was tarnished. But there would also be repentance and restoration and God’s great grace.
How about me? Do I realize the enormous consequences for the good and bad I do?
God, amplify… that’s what You do with the lives of Your leaders. You amplify them for good and also You allow the enormous consequences to fall all around us when we do wrong. I am reminded and humbled and fearing You today. I want to walk confidently in this day, but I will only do it with You. Help me, even as You do every day, to make wise decisions and love people in Jesus name, no matter what. May the consequence of my life be enormously good for Your sake.
