Re:Verse passage – 2 Samuel 7 (day five) v 3 Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your mind, for the Lord is with you.” v 17 In accordance with all these words and all this vision, so Nathan spoke to David.
The relationship between king David and the prophet Nathan is remarkable. At first, Nathan gives David the green light on building the Temple. Then, comes a completely different word of counsel. Yet, David doesn’t question, challenge, or berate Nathan. Instead, David goes to pray (a recurring activity in 2 Samuel). David demonstrates a humble heart and a high trust for the counsel of Nathan. Nathan is communicating a change of plans for David (the king). Yet, David is willing to listen and then process this information.
Maybe one of the lessons we can learn from the life of David is to have people ready and willing to speak God’s truth and perspective into our lives. Someone, we know from experience, walks closely and consistently with the Lord. Someone we trust that has no agenda other than wanting God’s best and God’s will for our lives. How valuable was Nathan to David?
Do you have anyone like that? (mentor, longtime friend, family member) Are you a “Nathan” to anyone? Perhaps God’s voice can be heard through the counsel of those around us.
People with Nathan’s attributes are rare these days. I am fortunate to have a few Nathans in my life at both personal and professional front; and I treasure them deeply from the bottom of my heart.
Each of us cannot change the world but we can learn from Nathan and make a positive change in our immediate surroundings. One by one, one small positive step at a time, the world will be in a better place to live and to work in. One of the core ingredients of leadership is active listener. David was a wise leader indeed.
We can move mountains and achieve a mission for the common good or whatever the mission is, if we have an honest, loving and caring relationship for one another to succeed. One cannot move the mountains but together, we can.