Carina Francke

Without someone waving a mirror in front of your face, you are oblivious to the deceitfulness of your own heart. Such a person is concerned about your interests and believes in you, but when necessary, he positions the mirror so that you can see yourself.  He is loyal, but his loyalty to God and His words, take priority. That person acts as your editor - he cuts here, changes there and sometimes let you do things over, because the final product must be God's story for you.

The prophet Nathan was an editor to King David. Even though his initial words were, "Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you", he didn't hesitate to take back his words when God said "No!" (1Chronicles 17:2-4). But afterwards he also comforts and encourages by conveying God's promise to David and His plans for his son:"He shall build me a house....and I will establish him in My house and  in My kingdom forever; and his throne shall be established forever" (1Chronicles 17:12-14)

Nathan's voice in David's ears, lead him to "went in and sat before the Lord" where he humbly asked: "Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house that You have brought me thus far? (1Chronicles 17:16)

David concealed his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder on her husband, but Nathan heard about it from God and became David's conscience. He rebuked David, and David admitted to his shameless sin: "I have sinned against the Lord" (2 Samuel 12:13). And the result? God "put David's sin away" and their relationship was restored (v13).

Nathan prevents David from unknowingly break his promise to Bathsheba that Solomon will become king. He reveals the plot of Adonia, the second successor to the throne, to crown himself as king (1 Kings1:11-40), thus saving David's reputation.

Every now and again, we all need someone to lift the curtain of our life slightly, so that the hidden sins in our heart can become visible to ourselves.

Who is the person who will tell you straight to your face that you are not speaking from Jesus' mouth?; Who can tell you without fear that you have your facts wrong or that you mistreated someone? That is your Nathan.

He hears from God and he has your and your family's interests at heart. It is a person with whom you have relationship and who "edits" your life because he wants to see God's plan for your life being fulfilled.

Do you have a Nathan? Or do you only trust yourself as editor of your life? Beware!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for sincere people that love me and want to see your plan for my life being fulfilled. They do not hesitate to reveal the hiding places, so that I can see the truth about myself. Help me to adhere.  Amen