In 2 Samuel 12, we see prophet Nathan who was sent by the LORD to David, to make him aware of the sin he had committed. Nathan was a wise prophet who convinced David of his sin through a story-line. And when Nathan said, “You are the man!” (Verse 7), David acknowledged his mistake wholeheartedly and responded, “I have sinned against the LORD.” (Verse 13).
David could have taken the words of Nathan as from a worldly man. He could reject what Nathan had said and David even had the power to kill Nathan for pointing out the sin in his life. But David had the heart to accept and repent of his fault.
Sometimes GOD sends people to us to point out the faults in our spiritual life – those matters that slow down our spiritual growth and become a burden in the ministry. It could be anger, depression, being adamant/uncompromising to constructive feedback, lack of wisdom or even lack of faith. GOD directs our life because He loves us and He wants us to be perfect and lacking no good. It’s also to reduce the weights that drag us down in our pursuit for holiness.
The attitude with which we perceive the voice of GOD matters. When we look into the lives of the Old Testament prophets, Jeremiah was beaten up on Pashhur’s orders (Jeremiah 20:1-2) when he pronounced the impending disaster on Israel as they rebelled against the LORD (Jeremiah 19). Prophet Micaiah was slapped by Zedekiah when he prophesied against King Ahab (about his death in the war) (1 Kings 22). We may be the only person sent by the LORD to point out a wrong in a person’s life, but speak with courage. GOD spoke only to Samuel about the disaster to befall the family of Eli. We may have to go through loneliness, persecution or even have to give up our life for being a spokesperson of the LORD, but the affirmation from GOD gives us the strength to endure it.
GOD who appointed you as the prophet will accompany you in the consequences as well. Jeremiah 15: 19-21 contains a promise from the LORD about protecting the prophet. A promise of restoration to bring Jeremiah back to the path GOD wanted him to take.
Therefore thus says the Lord: “If you return, Then I will bring you back; You shall stand before Me; If you take out the precious from the vile, You shall be as My mouth. Let them return to you, But you must not return to them. And I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; And they will fight against you, But they shall not prevail against you; For I am with you to save you And deliver you,” says the Lord. “I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, And I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible.”
If you return, Then I will bring you back: GOD reminds Jeremiah about a promise of restoration despite the current rejection and the crisis that he was about to face. And GOD asks him to “take out the precious from the vile.” Also GOD tells him to repent of the vile thoughts he had, to cleanse his heart from unworthy thoughts that he might have had as the situations were not favourable for him as he stood for the LORD. “GOD is asking him to devote himself only to the true gold of truth concerning GOD.” (Morgan)
Let them return to you, But you must not return to them: The prophet should be immovable amidst the situations of life. Also he should never doubt what he has spoken on GOD’s behalf. GOD gives Jeremiah a stern warning not to compromise on the boundary of holiness set by the LORD to accommodate people, but to wait till the people returned to the boundaries of holiness set by the LORD. Let not the world drag you down to their level or let not the world conform you into its framework.
I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall: GOD gives Jeremiah yet another promise, a promise to make him strong and unconquerable if he stayed steadfast in his position as GOD’s prophet. GOD’s promises are given to those who have a heart to stand for Him with courage.
GOD expands the depth of His promise of deliverance and restoration with three different words: save, deliver and redeem.
⚫ Save: Rescue from harm or danger.
⚫ Deliver: Snatch the prey away from the powerful enemy.
⚫ Redeem: Freedom by giving a ransom to the one who possessed the property/person.
A man after GOD’s heart will always have an attitude to correct his life as per GOD’s direction. If GOD tells us to guard our heart – do not question, just do it. He knows what lies ahead and He will protect us if we are ready to follow His direction. However, if we rebel and have no humility to accept it, we will lack GOD’s favor in our journey.
The world will never give us a solution to a downfall in our life. Instead they will only point it out and laugh at us, but GOD and His word through His servants will always have a comforting message that moulds us to be better people. But we must have a heart to hear both the parts. We always forget to repent and lean on Him instead we hold on to the pain that ‘someone pointed the wrong in me!’ Overcome the thought of negativity about constructive feedback from GOD, and repent and turn to GOD.
GOD is not a GOD of confusion. He gives direction, protection and provision for the journey ahead. May our life be holy and may we have a heart to speak up for Him with courage, keeping the strong boundaries of holiness, when He leads.
GOD bless!
