July 17 | 2 Samuel 12:7, 9

“Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man. Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘I Myself anointed you to be king over Israel, and I Myself rescued you from the hand of Saul, and I gave you your lord’s house and your lord’s wives into your arms, and I gave you the house of Israel and of Judah, and if this was too little, I would also add to you as much more Why have you despised the Lord’s word to do what is evil His eyes? Uriah the Hittite you have struck down, and his wife you have taken for yourself, to be your wife, and have killed him with this word of the Ammonites.” (2 Samuel 12:7-9)

You hear, “You’re the man” a lot these days. Most people don’t know it comes from heater. It’s in the middle of the prophet Nathan’s accusation of David’s adultery, murder, and lying cover-up. Be careful when people tell you, “You’re the man!”

After a moment of temptation followed through with a passionate adulterous act David found himself in a huge dilemma. He was the king of Israel and he used his power to get what he wanted. But everyone would find out.

So he tried to cover it up. He brought Bathsheba’s husband Urriah home to get him to sleep with her to claim the child as her own. But Urriah was more honorable than him. He refused to enjoy the comforts of home while his fellow soldiers suffered on the battlefield.

When that didn’t work David conspired with his general to send Urriah to the front lines. He was killed defending Israel and David thought he had it covered. It was only when Nathan the prophet wisely told a story that would pull on the former shepherd’s heartstrings that he admitted his sin.

Action Step: Watch out for temptation. It will lead you down a road of sin and shame. If you sin, confess your sins and restore your relationship with Jesus.

Lord Jesus, forgive me of my sins and cleanse me from them. I want to live for you. Keep me from temptation. May I live in service to you in your Kingdom. Make me faithful as you have been faithful.