December 11, 2021
Scripture: And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.” 2 Samuel 9:3 ESV
Observation: Having gained the Lord’s favor in uniting Judah and Israel, David sought to show kindness to Saul’s household for the sake of Saul’s son, Jonathan, who was like a brother to David (verse 1). So David inquired of Saul’s former servant, Ziba, and learned that Jonathan’s disabled son, Mephibosheth, still resides in his kingdom. (Mephibosheth’s nurse had dropped him at age five while fleeing for safety when news arrived that Saul and Jonathan had died in battle against the Philistines, 2 Samuel 4:4). David then calls for Mephibosheth and informs him that he will restore all of his grandfather’s inheritance to him and that he will dine at David’s table as an honored guest for the rest of his life. And David would make good on his promise.
Takeaway: David sought to show not worldly kindness but a godly kindness that was unmerited and extravagant. For the lame Mephibosheth, he could in no way earn what David had freely offered. Indeed, it exceeded Mephibosheth’s expectations. As such, he responds with humility and pays homage to David (verse 8).
This beautiful story of godly kindness and extravagant love foreshadows the work of our Savior and King, who restored our heavenly inheritance lost in the Fall. And now our ascended King of kings invites us to partake often of the bread and wine at his table. And when we are one day present with Jesus in his heavenly realm, we too will be honored guests at his glorious banquet. Thus, since our Lord and Savior has bestowed such graces on us, how much more should we show the extravagant kindness of God to others—whether merited or not.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for your Son, who expressed his extravagant love for us at the cost of his life. And we thank you that we now have free access as honored guests at his royal table and one day will receive our eternal inheritance in your kingdom. Would you please inspire us to pay it forward and show godly kindness to others, who like us, are undeserving but loved by you? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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