More than an obedient friend like Joab, we need a friend like Nathan, sent by God. Pastor Nathan knew his friend David – what would move his heart. His sermon was unadorned and simple but elicited the right response in David: outrage that a person so privileged would take advantage of his neighbor so callously. When we hear about others, we too often respond with David’s religious indignation.

But Nathan brings the story from one of religious indignation to personal accountability: “You are the man!” God’s word isn’t history, doctrines, and principles; it is about people – you and me – who I am and what I have done; who you are and what you have done. We need a Nathan to speak truth to us in love (Eph 4:15), so we realize God’s word is speaking to us, to our sin – to help us see God’s broken heart over our condition, and how we despised God’s gifts and his words, as David did.

David’s words, “I have sinned against the LORD,” are not fatalistic. As we read in Psalm 51, they are the proper response to God’s rebuke. Only when we know we are sinners does repentance give hope of forgiveness! God forgave David. He would still have to suffer the consequences of his actions; the boy would die.
Application: Father, you desire a broken and contrite heart. Strip away my religious indignation and lead me to sincere repentance before you today.
One Word: Restore the joy of my salvation today