David, 2of6

~ David Had a Mentor ~

This post is based upon 2 Samuel 12:1-15. 

Nathan Was David’s God-Given Mentor  ~  As a God sent mentor Nathan confronted David regarding his sin.  “Then Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man!  Thus says the Lord God of Israel: “I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.  …  Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight?  You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the people of Ammon.  Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.” …  So David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord’” (2 Samuel 12:7, 9-10, 13).

There are some practical lessons regarding mentoring in this passage.

Nathan Targeted Three Areas  ~  Notice Nathan’s mentoring skills.  He informed David’s intellect (verses 1-6), his conscience (verses 7-12), and involved David’s emotions (13-14). 

Nathan Appealed Three Ways  ~  Notice Nathan’s practical techniques.  He reminded David (verses 7-8), he an analyzed the situation (verse 9a), and he was very specific naming him (verse 9b). 

Additional Comment  ~  David is one of the true heroes in the Word of God yet God knew he required a mentor.  Christianity is not a “Lone Ranger” faith.  We need (require) the fellowship of other Christians.  “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17).

Practical Action Steps  ~  First, if you do not currently have a spiritual mentor seek out a more mature Christian to mentor you.  Second, if you are not currently mentoring someone else ask the Lord to provide the opportunity for you to come along side another—and then be on the lookout for who God sends your way. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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