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CHAPTER 12 (ESV)

 

1 And the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him and said to him, “There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had very many flocks and herds, 3 but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms, and it was like a daughter to him. 4 Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.” 5 Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, 6 and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.”

 

7 Nathan said to David, “You are the man! …

 

13 David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.

 

REFLECTION:

1. David was confronted by the prophet Nathan. Despite his terrible sins, he did love God. So, David admitted that he had sinned. He did not excuse, minimize, or try to fix blame elsewhere for his sin. Rather, he accepted his sinfulness, asked for forgiveness, and accepted the consequences. Learning from our mistakes is a hard way to learn, but it’s usually very effective.
2. How do I react when confronted by my own sin? How firmly do I believe in God’s unconditional love and mercy?
3. Ps 32 clearly describes David’s emotions after this great sin. When we are troubled by our misdeeds, only confession can provide relief.

 

PRAYER:

Read Ps 32 slowly and listen to it carefully. See if they reflect my own experiences.

Write down my thoughts on the journal book.

 

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.

For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. (Ps 32:3-5)

 

God of mercy and justice, you generously forgive me when I repent of my sins. Help me to trust in your unconditional love for me.