January 17, 2023
Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.
***C H O F Ministry Bible Study Reading:
2 Samuel 12:1–14
*C H O F Ministry Focal Verse:
2 Samuel 12:13 - I have sinned against the Lord.
David's first job on his résumé was as a shepherd tasked with protecting the family's sheep. (1 Sam. 17:34–35). He knew that it required significant time, work, and constant vigilance to grow a flock successfully. David refers to us as sheep in Psalm 23 and refers to God as our devoted and loving Shepherd.
So, when the prophet Nathan approached David with a sheep-related story, he had the king's complete attention. Let's look at the circumstances: the king had engaged in adultery and murder. It was well known to everyone. David's heart, however, was hard. He didn't indicate that he was going to change. He was the king. Was there anything he couldn't do? Who could make him answerable? Anyone who was truthful with him risked having their head chopped off!
God moved on David's behalf to protect both the sanctity of His name (2 Sam. 12:9, 14) and David's spiritual well-being. He dispatched his prophet with a narrative that was straightforward but profound. Sometimes, even though a person's heart and will are hardened because of sin, the truth might find its way to them through their imagination. David was so engrossed in what Nathan was telling him that when Nathan turned the story around on David and said, "You are the man!" It must have hit him like a bolt of lightning (v. 7). At long last, he felt the ache of a broken heart (v. 13).
How exactly did David become more knowledgeable and wise due to this encounter? He realized sin is a major problem! Even though he admitted his guilt and God forgave him, there would be severe repercussions due to his wicked deeds, and these would be felt not only by him as a person but also by the nation as a whole (vv. 11–14). In addition, he gained insight into the compassionate nature of God. David was one of the people for whom God did not abandon hope. He could have quickly punished him and moved on without further consideration. Instead, God pursued David and converted him through Nathan's story. Despite David's transgression, God's reputation was magnified in this situation via His kindness and Justice.
* Beloved, is there something you need to confess and repent of? As a natural extension of our Bible study today, I've offered you David's famous Psalm 51, a psalm of confession and repentance. Today, include this Psalm in your reading and prayer time.
Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, You alone are the one I've sinned against and done what's wrong Bring back to me the delight of your redemption, and grant me the spirit of willingness, that I may be sustained.” (Ps. 51:4, 12). In Jesus’ Name Amen.