Thou Art the Man

Today will be a short entry because I believe the lesson I learnt today in my study of King David is self-explanatory. It had an impact on me that has taught me one lesson and one only. That is to never ever get greedy with blessings, to be grateful for what I have and if things greater than that were to come - I will accept them willingly - but never want/covet/seek for more...

Here it is.

In 2 Samuel 12 there is a parable that has made me think. It is about "two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.  The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter." One day the rich man received a visitor but instead of using his flock or herd to provide a meal - he took the poor man's lamb. (2 Samuel 12:1-4)

When King David heard this his anger was greatly kindled, and he condemned the rich man to death, but before that ordered him to repay the lamb fourfold, because he had no pity. To which Nathan said to David - "Thou art the Man." (2 Samuel 12:7) 

David was reminded that he was annointed the King over Israel, was delivered out of the hands of his murderous father-in-law, already had many wives and ruler over the house of Israel and of Judah and if he was ever to want for anything - would have been blessed with whatever he needed. Yet, he had caused the death of Uriah so that he could marry Uriah's wife Bathsheba who he had already slept with and made pregnant.... (2 Samuel 12:8-9)

Never have four words caused such a reaction in me. Now the trick to learning is to always apply your newly acquired knowledge to yourself, which I have done which has caused another healthy dose of self-reflection. I have not committed adultery and caused the death of another to cover up for that fact - however I have wanted things that were not mine, and wanted more than I have, sometimes little and then sometimes fanciful like winning lotto ;-) But - not after today, and not after I recall this parable.

I will be grateful for my aging yet functioning body, my responsible and handsome husband, my quiet yet wonderful teenagers, my honest and loyal friends, my caring and humorous family and my challenging job.

I pray that I will never be the [wo]man that regardless of all of this wants just a little more that is enough to cause me to lose everything I ever wanted and already have.

Yours in friendship,

Mxox