Day 76 – 2 Samuel: Character sketch of Nathan

“So Nathan went back to David and told him everything the Lord had said in this vision.” 2 Samuel 7:17

This prophet lived up to the meaning of his name, “God has given”. He was a necessary and helpful gift from God to David. Nathan served as God’s spokesman to David and proved himself a fearless friend and counsellor, always willing to speak the truth, even when he knew great pain would result.

Nathan’s approach can also give us perspective for judging our own actions. How often do we make choices that we would condemn others for making? A helpful question to ask ourselves is this: How would God and others see our actions? Unfortunately, we have a huge capacity to lie to ourselves. God still provides two safeguards against self-deception: His Word and true, godly friends telling us the truth.

Strengths and accomplishments

Nathan served as a wise and trusted advisor to David who creatively and courageously confronted King David of his grave sins. Along with the judgement from his prophecy, he also offered David the hope of forgiveness.

Weaknesses and mistakes

He spoke without first receiving God’s instruction out of his eagerness to see David build a Temple for God in Jerusalem.

Life lessons from Nathan’s life

Never be afraid to tell the truth to those you love and care about, because a trustworthy companion is a gift from God who loves us so deeply that He will find a way to communicate to us when we are wrong and not close to Him.

Prayer: Father, please open my eyes to see the Nathans in my life and to accept Your truth through their input. Thank You for loving me so much that You will go to great lengths to draw me closer to You. Amen.