Relationships – Day 9

Without someone waving a mirror in front of your face, you are oblivious to the deceitfulness of your own heart. Such a person is concerned about your interests and believes in you, but when necessary, he positions the mirror so that you can see yourself. He is loyal, but his loyalty to God and His words, take priority. That person acts as your editor — he cuts here, changes there and sometimes lets you do things over, because the final product must be God’s story for your life.

The prophet Nathan was an editor to King David. Even though his words initially were “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you”, he didn’t hesitate to take back his words when God said “No!” (1 Chronicles 17:2-4). But afterwards he also comforts and encourages by conveying God’s promise to David and the plans for his son: “He shall build me a house … and I will establish him in My house and in My kingdom forever; and his throne shall be established forever” (1 Chronicles 17:12-14).

Nathan’s voice in David’s ears leads him to set himself apart from the Lord and bow down where he humbly asks: “Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house that You have brought me thus far?” (1 Chronicles 17:16).

David hides his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, but it is Nathan who hears about it from God and becomes David’s conscience. He rebukes David for this and David admits his shameless sin: “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:13). And the result? God forgives him and their relationship is restored.

Nathan prevents David from unknowingly breaking his promise to Bathsheba that Solomon will become king. He reveals the plot of Adonijah, the second successor to the throne, to crown himself as king (1 Kings 1:11-40), thus saving David’s reputation.

Every now and again, we all need someone to lift the curtain of our life slightly, so that the hidden sins in our heart can become visible to ourselves.

Who is the person who will tell you straight to your face that you are not speaking from Jesus’ mouth? Who can tell you without fear that you have your facts wrong or that you mistreated someone? This person is your Nathan.

This person hears from God and he has your and your family’s interests at heart. It is a person with whom you have a relationship with, and who “edits” your life because he wants to see God’s plan for your life fulfilled.

Do you have a Nathan? Or do you only trust yourself as editor of your life? Beware!