Finding God in the every day

Week 7 Day 4

I Samuel 12:7Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!

A study in contrasts

            God throughout the Old Testament used some people very powerfully to become the accusers of leaders simply by pointing out to them the truth of their circumstances. As here, Nathan puts it straight that he will not let slide any kingly spin which might attempt to gloss over the abduction of Bathsheba, their adultery, and David’s proxy murder of Uriah. Similarly, Daniel was used by God to point out, at the risk of his very life, the numerous failings and dubious decisions of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.

            Unfortunately, in this day and age of eavesdropping and evil nosiness, which is a way expressing what the old timers would call our “prurient interests”, everyone is looking for a way to gain fame and fortune by catching their neighbor in some sort of compromising moment. Grab it on your cell phone and upload it right away to social media. In this time of extreme oversight, and de-contextualized information we would do well to forego the temptation to be so far out on the limb of accusation that we are in danger of cutting it off behind us. I am reminded of the situation in East Germany after World War II when neighbor was encouraged to spy on neighbor and report everything to the state authorities. Elaborate listening systems were installed in houses and apartment blocks. Cameras were everywhere. It was truly a frightening time. To my chagrin, nothing has changed. “J’accuse” has become the lingua franca of people everywhere seeking the moment of fame that might come to them by “exposing” someone else’s moment of weakness.

So, what’s the difference between Daniel, and Nathan and the types of accusers we see today? Very simply it is the imprimatur, or endorsement if you will of God the Father. Remember, Jesus said, Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? …(Matthew 7:1)

             I believe that if we were to set about removing the planks in our own eyes we would have enough lumber to build the largest tabernacle the world has ever seen.