NATHAN A Mistaken Prophet
NATHAN WAS A BOLD AND COURAGEOUS PROPHET. After David’s adultery with Bathsheba and the conspiracy to kill her husband, Nathan boldly denounced David’s sins by telling him a parable about a wicked man (2 Sam 12:1-4) and saying to David, “You are that man!” (12:7). While that took great courage, it wasn’t Nathan’s first go-around with the king.
In 1 Chronicles 17, we find a previous encounter between King David and Nathan over the Ark of the Covenant. David said, “Look, . . . I am living in a beautiful cedar palace, but the Ark of the LORD’s Covenant is out there under a tent!” (17:1). Nathan responded with his own advice, instead of seeking guidance from the Lord: “Do whatever you have in mind, for God is with you” (17:2). Remember, this was not merely a chat between friends. The king had specifically summoned the prophet, counting on his wise counsel.
It takes great strength to acknowledge your own errors
Later that night, God spoke to Nathan, “Go and tell my servant David . . . ‘You are not the one to build a house for me to live in. . . . I will raise up one of your descendants. . . . He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for me” (17:4, 11-12). Upon learning that his original counsel did not align with God’s will, Nathan immediately went back to David and corrected himself. He did not equivocate or try to qualify his earlier statement. He simply told David precisely what the Lord had instructed him to share.
Now that took courage! Many people have the courage to confront others with their mistakes, but it takes even greater strength to acknowledge one’s own. Perhaps one of the reasons God blessed Nathan’s ministry was that he was as quick to fix his own errors as he was to point out the errors of others. It is wise to take regular inventory of your own words. Is there a mistake you need to correct to keep your witness for God pure and strong? Do it today!