“So the Lord sent Nathan to David. When Nathan arrived he said, “There were two men in the same city, one rich, one poor.”” – 2 Samuel 12:1 (CEB)
Four words open this chapter, and they change everything after them. So the Lord sent Nathan. David has been running the kingdom for months as though nothing happened. Nobody has said a word to him. Then God sends a man into the throne room.
Notice who moves first. David has not prayed about this. He has not asked for counsel or wrestled with his conscience where anyone could see it. God does not wait for him to come around on his own. God sends someone.
That is worth sitting with before the story gets uncomfortable. The mercy in this chapter starts before the confession does. Someone showing up to tell you the truth is not God running out of patience with you. It is God refusing to leave you alone in it. Who has God sent to tell you the truth?
God who sends people into our lives, thank you for not leaving me alone with what I would rather not face. Give me ears for the truth. Amen.