David was king, powerful. His adviser, Nathan, saw up close and personal what happened when someone got in his way. Uriah had been killed at his orders. Joab had gone along with David’s order. He had cooperated in the evil and come out secure. Nonetheless when Nathan saw evil he felt he had to confront the king (no doubt after a sleepless night). Nathan said to David: “You are the man!” You are the one who has committed this double crime of adultery and murder. Are we more like Joab or Nathan? Do we remain silent when someone makes a racist comment? Do we shrug in helplessness when we see bullying? Do we challenge someone who blithely accepts violence as the answer to problems?
