Nathan’s Convincing Indictment of David

Text: 2 Samuel 12:1-14

Reflection and Question: Nathan tells a compelling story here of the rich man who took the one little lamb, which was all the poor man had. David sees the sin of the rich man immediately and, in our mind’s eye, we can see his face falling as Nathan brings home the message that David has done even worse by plotting Uriah’s death and taking his wife. David makes no excuses or denials. He says simply, “I have sinned against the Lord.” When have you known this clearly that you have sinned? Have you, like David, accepted your guilt?

Prayer: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Against You, You alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight. According to Your mercy, blot out my transgression. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).