“When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom.”
2 Samuel 7:12
My favorite Old Testament prophet is Nathan. He was a prophet from the Lord and had the important task of proclaiming God’s Word to King David. When Nathan came to David, it was to declare the most magnificent of promises. One day, David’s offspring—the same offspring promised to Eve and to Abraham and to so many others—would reign on His throne forever. Jesus would be the son of David who would fulfill this promise.
But sadly, Nathan had to return a short while later to announce God’s judgment upon David. As a result of David’s egregious sin—committing both adultery and murder—his firstborn son would die. Yet, even in this tragic episode, we see a picture of the Son of David who would one day be King forever. He would also be an innocent firstborn son who would die in the place of those deserving death. Nathan had the privilege of proclaiming the coming Christ and a picture of what that Christ would do for you and me.
Not only can we now proclaim the excellencies of the Lord, but we also can delight in them through Jesus, our Lord.
But sadly, Nathan had to return a short while later to announce God’s judgment upon David. As a result of David’s egregious sin—committing both adultery and murder—his firstborn son would die. Yet, even in this tragic episode, we see a picture of the Son of David who would one day be King forever. He would also be an innocent firstborn son who would die in the place of those deserving death. Nathan had the privilege of proclaiming the coming Christ and a picture of what that Christ would do for you and me.
Not only can we now proclaim the excellencies of the Lord, but we also can delight in them through Jesus, our Lord.
Scripture Focus
2 Samuel 7:12-17; 12:1-15
Insight
FAVORITE PROPHET by Chaplain Major Stephen Roberts, seven-time Anchor writer and U.S. Army chaplain for 16 years. He has been deployed around the world, carrying the light of Jesus with him. He and his wife Lindsey have three wonderful kids.
Bible In A Year
- Numbers 5-6
- Psalm 63
- John 4