«Better is open rebuke than hidden love» (Proverbs 27:5, NIV).
FRIENDSHIP
Nathan was a prophet of the God of Israel, not a simple task, especially when it meant rebuking a king. David had committed a great sin: he had slept with Bathsheba and had then murdered her husband. A completely reprimandable action in God’s eyes. So, Nathan had to convey God’s wrath to the monarch in a firm way. The problem was that the king of Israel was known for not being very kind to messengers that bore bad news. But at that time the monarch urgently needed an admonition that would show him the magnitude of his sin. The faithful prophet was willing to do it. Then, he told the king an interesting story:
«One day a rich man received a visitor and, since he didn’t want to kill any of his sheep or cows to offer food to the visitor, he took a poor man’s sheep, and prepared it for his visitor.»
The king was very disturbed and declared, «As the Lord lives, that man deserves death. And for having done so, without showing him mercy, he should pay four times the value of the sheep.»
Then the prophet looked him in the eye and told him with great authority, «You are that man!»
Then, the prophet described David’s blunt ungratefulness for Heaven’s multiple blessings.
The monarch was disarmed. He simply said, «I acknowledge that I have sinned against the Lord.»
Thanks to Nathan’s brave reprimand, David was able to seek forgiveness from God. The prophet greatly admired the king of Israel and was genuinely his friend. That’s why he didn’t hesitate to risk his own life to point out his mistakes.
People who make mistakes need good friends who will help them climb out of the hole they’re in and not arrogant friends that will push them down even further. Genuine friends don’t ignore sin. Instead, they speak to you frankly when they know you’re getting in trouble.
It’s not easy when someone points out your mistakes or makes you realize you’re wrong. But if someone dares to do so, it’s because they want what’s best for you. les even possible that one of them is a messenger from Heaven.
I invite you today to ask the Lord to grant you the wisdom to have the best attitude when being reprimanded and to make appropriate decisions.
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Take From: Daily Devotions for Youth 2020
«A New You»
From: Alejandro Medina Villareal
Collaborators: Gezer Noria & Misael Morillo
