2 Samuel 12: 1-16
What makes us think of King David as a hero?
King David is renowned as a fearless fighter, even in his teenage years. He went on to become a brilliant military strategist and city planner. He was the one who restored Jerusalem the capital of Israel and united the kingdom under his rule. He was artistic too, a musician and a composer of Psalms.
In 1 Kings 15:5, we are reminded that “David did what was right in the sight of the Lord and did what God commanded him all the days of his life, ‘except’ in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.”
The thing that David had done displeased God through his adultery; Nathan the prophet was knocking at the front door of the palace, sent by God to confront the king.
What I’d like to focus on in this story is David’s reaction to Nathan’s words, “David! You are the man who stole the only sheep from the poor guy. You are the man who deserved to die as you said.”
David said, “I have sinned against the Lord. And he fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground,” --not because Nathan had told him, but because David had discovered it for himself,
which was the beginning of his coming back to life again.
Do you still remember how I see the Bible and its stories?
The Bible is a window to God, and its stories should be a mirror to reflect on ourselves.
Some people may say after they read this story, “Hmm. I may be better than King David
because I don’t do anything adulterous.” Or, some people may feel their hearts split in two
by saying “I have sinned against the Lord. I am the Man!! I need to fast and go and lie all night on the ground.”
The way we read this passage lies ahead of us. It is time to make a choice.
If we remember him as a hero, I hope it is not because of the battle against the giant Goliath.
It is not because of how many Psalms he composed. It is not because of the victorious war stories
in the Hebrew Bible.
I hope it is because of that moment with Nathan, when he saw who he was, when he confessed what he did, and when he repented of his sins.
These are the things that make King David as a superhero.
Amen.