Standing Up to the Sinner

Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man. Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and delivered you out of the hand of Saul.

2 Samuel 12:7 (RGT)

At a spiritual revival conference, a man of prayer, knowing that his church's mission president was not a man of integrity, asked him to come forward to the altar to pray and beg God's forgiveness, as all the other members of the congregation were doing. Feeling presumptuous, the president replied that he was not in a position to ask him to confess his sins. Wisely, the man countered that everyone needed God's forgiveness.

The man of prayer hadn't mentioned his sin; he was subtly inviting him to become aware of it. Nathan's situation was quite different. He wasn't simply facing a mission president; he was facing a king anointed by God. But Nathan had no choice; he had to reveal God's declaration concerning his sin to David. Although he was God's prophet, Nathan didn't dare speak directly to David. He needed to tell him a story that would motivate him to act.

When David bluntly demanded the death of the man in Nathan's story, Nathan retorted, "You are that man!" Have you ever dared to stand up to a respected and renowned leader or pastor? It is not always easy to confront a spiritual leader whom everyone trusts. However, even if he is your guide, if he goes astray, it is your duty to correct him. The only requirement, as with Nathan, is knowing how to approach him. Never think that you cannot stand up to a mature Christian. If he has sinned, then he is a sinner; therefore, you must stand up to him.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.