Good morning!
Text: 2 Samuel 8-10; Psalm 72
In 2 Samuel 9 we see David reconnect with his covenant relationship with Jonathan, King Saul’s son and David’s best friend who died in battle (1 Samuel 31).
And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1)
David uses a special word for kindness here, translated elsewhere in the Old Testament as “steadfast love”. It is the sort of love we associate with Jesus’ love for us. It is the love of promise and of self sacrifice. It is the love that acts without regard for “feelings” – meaning it chooses to do what’s best for the other even when they do not deserve it, even when they are their most unlovable. David exercises this kindness to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. The young man was crippled when a child, and has been left without a family. David welcomes him into his own house, and gives him a seat at the dinner table among his own sons. This is a picture of our Father in Heaven’s love for us, expressed in Jesus, as he welcomes us into his household and treats us as His own children. David does this because he promised. Our Lord does this for us because he promised. And He does it when we least deserve it. Amazing love!
Now for the prick of conviction. I am asking myself when was the last time I asked the question, “Is there anyone…that I may show them ‘kindness’?”
in Him, Mike