Preparing for Kingship – David
The King to whom people were committed.
Just about the most loyal and committed people I know are football fans! Whatever the weather, whoever the opponents, wherever the match is played, the real fans turn up. They are so committed. It’s not always that the footie is great, or WE win the match, it’s just, well, …. we are committed to the team. And perhaps, to be utterly frank, the game is sometimes totally boring. But the fans turn up.
We live in an age of such generally short-term commitments that the idea of a permanent commitment to a job, or life-partner, or exercise, is falling by the wayside.
This week’s readings are about David’s commitment to people, and their commitment to him. Behind the tales we reflect on God’s commitment to His people, and our commitment to Him.
Nathan was committed to David, and doing the right thing for him.
v 1. So the Lord sent Nathan the prophet to tell David this story:
God gave Nathan a tough assignment! Who would relish the idea of visiting the King to rebuke his behaviour with Bathsheba? David could deal ruthlessly with any opposition, so the outcome of Nathan’s visit would be uncertain. David had no idea that the story was pointing right at him until Nathan was bold enough to say ‘You are the man!’ Nathan’s commitment went out in two directions; first toward God, and then toward David. He was set on doing the right thing for God; his instructions came from God and he was determined to follow them through whatever the cost. But he was also committed to David; he wanted the right thing in David’s life, and David’s behaviour with Bathsheba needed to be confronted. It was not only the secret adulterous action but also the web of murder and lies that went on to pollute David’s life. Once that underhand pattern of life gets a grip on a person it is hard to shake off; lies multiply and deceit becomes the norm. God’s, and Nathan’s, vision for David as King was of a holy and honest person, leading the nation not only by laws but also by example. Nathan was bold enough to challenge David because he was committed to get the best for David and his rule in the Kingdom.
This is the commitment of friendship. Real friends are more than just helpers, they may also need to challenge – even gently rebuke – those they love and care about. Friendship like this is not a soft option but it can be relied on to seek the best for a friend whatever circumstances they face.
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