The Confrontation

Nathan confronts David after he has had Uriah killed so that he might take Bathsheba as his own. The parable Nathan relates identifies the injustice of a rich man’s act against a poor man. Only when Nathan identifies David as the guilty party, does David take responsibility for his action, acknowledging that he has broken many commandments: killing, lying, coveting and stealing from his neighbour for his own pleasure and desire.

What about us? Do we acknowledge our fault in an argument, or in a project gone awry, or in a broken relationship? Are we able to truly confess our sins against God, the God we are to love above all other gods? Are we willing to be vulnerable, coming before God in humility to acknowledge our failures, sins, weaknesses? It takes a lot of soul-searching in order to admit our faults. Do we fear reprimand or self-reproach? It takes courage to stand before others and God and say, “I have sinned against the LORD.” In doing so we admit our shame and our blame. Perhaps in that moment we realise, though we are not worthy of forgiveness, the Lord puts away our sin and accepts us as we are.

Lord most merciful, I acknowledge my faults and failures. Forgive me so that I might rise to a new day of hope. Amen. — RC

Contributed by The Confrontation

Nathan confronts David after he has had Uriah killed so that he might take Bathsheba as his own. The parable Nathan relates identifies the injustice of a rich man's act against a poor man. Only when Nathan identifies David as the guilty party, does David take responsibility for his action, acknowledging that he has broken many commandments: killing, lying, coveting and stealing from his neighbour for his own pleasure and desire. What about us? Do we acknowledge our fault in an argument, or in a project gone awry, or in a broken relationship? Are we able to truly confess our sins against God, the God we are to love above all other gods? Are we willing to be vulnerable, coming before God in humility to acknowledge our failures, sins, weaknesses? It takes a lot of soul-searching in order to admit our faults. Do we fear reprimand or self-reproach? It takes courage to stand before others and God and say, "I have sinned against the LORD." In doing so we admit our shame and our blame. Perhaps in that moment we realise, though we are not worthy of forgiveness, the Lord puts away our sin and accepts us as we are.
Eternity for Today