Facing the Truth

O. T. #709  "Facing the Truth"
March 7, 2016
2 Samuel 12-Part 3
Why, then, have you despised the word of the LORD and done this horrible deed?
 2 Samuel 12:9

LET IT GLOW

It is not an easy thing to be taken to the woodshed. Disciplining our children is not a pleasant task, but needful. It is because we love them that we make them accountable for their actions and words. We teach them the difference between right and wrong. Neither is it an easy thing to accept when God corrects us. The prophet Nathan had a difficult task, but was successful. David experienced the rebuke, facing the truth. God was not about to let His beloved child David get away with sin.
What David did displeased the Lord. He broke several commandments: the tenth, dealing with coveting (Ex. 20:17), the seventh concerning adultery (Ex. 20:14), and the sixth prohibiting murder (Ex. 20:13).

You are the man, David! The prophet Nathan told David a story illustrating his situation of sin.
God's message to David included:

• God anointed him as king over Israel. This was the highest honor man could have had at that time.
• God saved, delivered, rescued David from the power of Saul so he might deliver Israel.
• God gave him his master's house and wives.
• God gave him the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. 
• If that had not been enough, God would have given David much more.

First, God focused on all that He had done for David. If it had not been for God, David would not be in the position that he was in, right? He would still be in the fields tending sheep. but God raised up this shepherd to shepherd His people, and he failed to set the example they needed.

David could have had anything his heart desired and yet he betrayed the trust put in him and sinned. (Falwell)

It is always good to stop and acknowledge that all we have and are is from God, not our doing. That changes our pride heart into a humble and thankful heart. God is our provider, El Shaddah.


LT IT GROW

With that established, God continues into David's personal business (sin).

Why, then, have you despised the word of the LORD and done this horrible deed? For you have murdered Uriah the Hittite with the sword of the Ammonites and stolen his wife. (verse 9)

God knew just the right words to stab David in the heart. What could he say but "Guilty, Lord."
God's word is truth and He always speaks the truth. Sometimes we don't like being confronted with the truth. It can cut our heart out like a two-edged sword. David knows he can't hide anything from God, so there is no use in offering excuses, placing the blame on Bathsheba. David was responsible for David's actions, and so are we.

In Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, despised means to contemn, scorn.
In Webster's Dictionary, despised means to look down on with contempt or aversion; to regard as negligible, worthless, or distasteful; to scorn, disdain.

What a strong accusation! Despised is a strong word. Nathan's message was God's conviction. David despised and regarded god's commandments by breaking them.
Did David's pride and strong will melt away as he heard the truth about him? Did he fall to his knees in repentance? It was not until verse 13 that David confessed. First, he had to listen to the punishment coming. That is next time for us to discuss.

When faced with the truth, we either rebel or repent, I say. We cannot hide anything from God, for He is all-seeing and all-knowing. What we do in secret, in the dark, is seen by God. It is always difficult to face the truth, face up to what we have done wrong, isn't it?

So remember, sweet one, you are loved by God. That is why He takes us to the woodshed to deal with our sin. He knows our sin will only make things worse for us, so we need to confess it.

LET IT GO

Prayer time.

Listen to God and repent.