Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Prophetic Ministry of the Apostolic Church
“Nathan then said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD God of Israel”
Prophetic ministry in the ancient Israel was one of the significant ministries. Many of the prophets engaged themselves for the sake of justice without any fear and forgetting the consequences. They did not consider whom they are addressing or confronting. In telling a story about the crime of another, Nathan pre-pared David for dealing with his own sins, and it's possible that David thought Nathan was presenting him with an actual case from the local court. Since David had been a shepherd himself, he would pay close attention to a story about the theft of an innocent lamb; and as king, he was obligated to see that poor families were given justice. God directed Nathan to choose his words carefully so that they would remind David of what he had said and done. David passed judgment on the rich man without realizing he was passing judgment on himself. David was so angry he exaggerated both the crime and the punishment.
The prophet realized that though David was very angry, he was also unguarded and ready for the sword of the Spirit to pierce his heart. With one quick thrust, Nathan said, "You are the man!" and proceeded to hold up the mirror that revealed how dirty the king really was. Nathan explained to David why he stole Uriah's little ewe lamb. First, the king forgot the goodness of the Lord who had given him everything he had and would have given him more (v. 7-8). Second, David had despised God's commandment and acted as though he had the privilege of sinning (v. 9). By coveting, committing adultery, bearing false witness, and killing, David had broken four of the Ten Commandments.
Even in front of the king, Nathan was strong and unbending to his commitment to justice. He only thought about preserving justice and providing it to a human life around him. Usually we all fail in front of power and authority and we keep silence even though we know that what is happening is against justice. We always think about what is the consequence if we respond for the sake of justice. We are concerned about how will that affect our positions and our future prospects. We need today people like Nathan who can confront the corrupt and evil leaders in our church and society. Let us submit ourselves for a ministry of confrontation for the sake of justice.
Prayer: God of justice we commit ourselves to confront injustices in our society and church. Help us to be a channel to promote justice and peace Amen
Thought for the Day: “Right is right even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong if everyone is for it”.
Rev. V. M. Mathew, Youth Chaplain, NY.