When Pride Meets Truth
Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church
February 8th Sermon, Day 4
When the prophet Nathan came to David, he didn't start with accusations. Instead, he told a story about a rich man who stole a poor man's beloved lamb. David's response was immediate and passionate - this was an outrage that demanded justice! But then Nathan delivered four words that changed everything: 'You are the man.'
In that moment, David faced a choice that we all eventually face. He could have defended himself, made excuses, or attacked Nathan's credibility. Instead, he did something remarkable: he confessed. 'I have sinned against the Lord,' he said simply.
This is where repentance begins - where pride ends. David's willingness to see himself clearly in Nathan's story, to accept responsibility without excuse-making, opened the door to God's mercy. It's easy to demand justice when we don't recognize ourselves in the story, but true growth happens when we're willing to see our own reflection in the mirror of God's truth.
We all have Nathan moments - times when God's truth confronts our self-deception. Maybe it comes through a friend's honest words, a sermon that hits too close to home, or simply the Holy Spirit's gentle conviction. In these moments, we can choose pride or humility, defensiveness or repentance.
The beautiful truth is that God's mercy is always waiting on the other side of our confession. When we're willing to say 'I have sinned,' we discover that God is willing to say 'You are forgiven.' This is the path from failure back to fellowship.
Bible Verse
'In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.' - 2 Samuel 11:1
Reflection Question
When has God used someone or something to hold up a mirror to your life, and how did you respond?
Quote
Repentance begins where pride ends.
Prayer
God, give me the humility to see myself clearly when You reveal areas where I've fallen short. Help me to respond with confession rather than defensiveness, knowing that Your mercy awaits. Amen.
