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Nathan Saw Below the Surface & Dealt with a Sticky Situation
The prophet Nathan was a leader to the leaders. God used him to correct his erring leader.
Nathan knew that David had slept with another man’s (Uriah the Hittite) wife (Bathsheba) and subsequently had the man killed. Although King David had multiple wives, he insisted on having one more. Nathan saw a greedy and selfish heart in Israel’s king. Few individuals in David’s reign wielded the influence or had the guts to confront him in his sin. Once Nathan discerned what David had done, he gained an audience with the king, told him a compelling story, and with great poise dealt with the problem in a caring but firm manner.
Nathan acted the way he did because of his keen, God-given discernment. Discernment goes deeper than knowledge, resembling intuition. At times, discernment is a gift; at other times, it results from much experience. Discernment brings a profound perception of what is occurring, either on the outside or the inside of a person.
What were the keys to Nathan’s discernment?
- He listened to God (2 Samuel 12:1). The text says God “sent” him to David. Obviously, God had been speaking to His prophet.
- He knew David’s circumstances (2 Samuel 12:1-6). Nathan watched David for many years and recognized the egregious changes in David’s life when they came.
- He was objective in his perspective (2 Samuel 12:7-8). Nathan could speak for God and provide God’s viewpoint on the king’s situation.
- He understood the root issues (2 Samuel 12:9-12). Nathan saw more than symptoms; he saw root problems and consequences.
- He saw the ultimate cause and effect (2 Samuel 12:14). Nathan passionately championed the name and reputation of God. He hated how the pagan nations surrounding Israel might mock the Lord should they hear of David’s sin.
A Discerning Donkey?
The prophet Balaam lacked both discernment and intuition about what was happening around him. Let me recap his story from Numbers 22:
- Balaam angered God because he disobeyed what he knew to be right (v. 22).
- It took the Angel of the Lord standing in the way to stop Balaam (v. 23).
- Balaam could not discern the Angel’s blockade (v. 23).
- Balaam’s own agenda so consumed him that he whipped his donkey for stopping before the Angel (v. 25).
- God enabled the donkey to speak when Balaam still didn’t perceive his danger (v. 28)!
- The donkey discerned more than Balaam and interpreted reality for him (v. 28-30).
- It took a divine miracle for Balaam’s eyes to be opened (v. 31).
Lack of discernment nearly got Balaam killed. He did not discern the Lord’s presence and he confessed his lack of discernment (Numbers 22:34). God said the prophet surely would have been killed had it not been for his discerning donkey (22:33)!
What keeps you from discerning the needs of the moment?
Today, leaders face many challenges to discernment. Can you relate to any of them?
- An unrelenting schedule leaves no room for listening.
- An important agenda fosters a stubborn heart rather than a sensitive one.
- A type-A temperament makes it difficult to slow down and discern.
- A strong task orientation leaves little time for people or spontaneity.
- We desire to solve spiritual and emotional problems with external answers.
How can you grow in your discernment?
- Learn to hear God’s voice. This requires getting quiet and reading Scripture.
- Build problem-solving skills. If you can see root issues of problems, you can more easily solve them.
- Analyze your successes. What worked? Can it be repeated?
- Evaluate your options. Discernment involves both your gut and your head.
- Expand your opportunities. Get more experience to help you deepen your wisdom.
- Explore what others think. Choose some leaders you admire and study how they think.
- Listen to your gut. Most people are afraid to listen to their God-given intuition.
May your discernment grow, as you shoot for the stars!