2 Samuel 9:1-13
Thursday, 8 September 2022
“The king said, “Is there not yet anyone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?” -2 Samuel 9:3
Today’s reading gives us a beautiful illustration of the relationship between a loving God, our King and ignorant man. It depicts David as the benevolent King and Mephibosheth as any one of us, before salvation. We were in hiding, poor, weak, lame, and fearful, separated because of our wicked ancestors and our deliberate actions, because we didn’t know him or His love for us.
David’s kindness to Mephibosheth led to his restoration. God’s kindness in grace to us leads to reconciliation with Him. David sought out Saul’s descendant to show kindness for Jonathan’s sake. God’s loving kindness towards us is for the sake of His son, Jesus Christ. David’s kindness is based on his covenant with Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:16). Gods’ eternal covenant is seen in Ephesians 1:4, “He has chosen us in Christ, before the foundation of the world…”
Mephibosheth received the King’s kindness in humility by considering himself as nothing. We are also to receive the kindness of God in all humility acknowledging that we are nothing and lost without Christ. David returned all that was taken from Mephibosheth. Christ restores all that the enemy has destroyed in us. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). When Mephibosheth submitted to David, he received all his lost possessions. Likewise, God also takes care of all our needs as we accept His sovereignty over us. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Mephibosheth’s shame is covered. At the King’s table, Mephibosheth’s shame (lame feet) were covered. Jesus on the cross bore our sin and shame. Our King’s favour does not immediately take away all our weakness and lameness, but it gives us the power through the Holy Spirit to overcome.
He ate bread at the King’s table. David gave Mephibosheth the privilege of provision at the
King’s table. He received the honor of a close relationship with the king. The abiding described in John 15:7 is a continual relationship with Jesus marked by dependence and trust. Since He is the Vine that nourishes us we are to continually feed ourselves with His Word.
Hidden in this chapter is the pattern for us in serving and ministering to others. Like King David we should also seek the lost and reveal the kindness of God. If David had not done so, Mephibosheth would not have received the restoration. As believers, we are to show kindness and witness Christ to those from whom the truth is hidden. David learnt that there was a descendant of Saul still living and could only learn where he was through this servant named Ziba.
Here is a lesson to Love our enemies. David could have killed Mephibosheth, a potential threat/rival, instead the kindness of God motivated David to show someone else the same kindness. We also have received the free gift of life so let us also show kindness to others so that it will lead them to Christ. We should look for the poor, weak, lame, and hidden to bless them. Mephibosheth was of no use to David, yet he restored him. We should bless others without expecting anything from them.
Dear Fellow Believers, David brought the outcast into the palace and made him a son because he remembered his covenant with Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:14-15). The covenant God swore by Himself led to His kindness in adopting us through the finished work of the cross, to keep us in His presence, eating at His table. Let this loving kindness be made known by us to others always.
Thought: "The greatest thing a man can do for his Heavenly Father is to be kind to some of His other children." - Henry Drummond
Listen: 'You are good'