The King’s Kindness

Day 1

1David asked, “Is there anyone remaining from the family of Saul I can show kindness to for Jonathan’s sake?”2There was a servant of Saul’s family named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” “I am your servant,” he replied.3So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family that I can show the kindness of God to?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still Jonathan’s son who was injured in both feet.”
2 SAMUEL 9:1-3 (CSB)

Commentary

While Jonathan was alive, he and David entered a covenant, with David promising to show kindness to Jonathan and his household for the remainder of David’s life. By birthright, Jonathan and his sons would’ve been heirs to Saul’s throne, had God not intervened and anointed David as king. It was not unheard of for kings to kill any other heirs to prevent challenges to their crown. This covenant took place as Saul was hellbent on killing David, before David even had the crown.

14If I continue to live, show me kindness from the LORD, but if I die,15don’t ever withdraw your kindness from my household ​— ​not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.”16Then Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.”17Jonathan once again swore to David in his love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.
1 SAMUEL 20:14-17 (CSB)

We fast forward to the time of 2 Samuel 9, and we see that though Jonathan was now dead, David still intended on keeping the promise he made to him. David was on the throne and as king could do as he pleased, but his pleasure was in God’s will.

We can see imagery of Jesus here. David, like Jesus, was willing to show God’s kindness, based on a covenant made.

4Saul’s son Jonathan had a son whose feet were crippled. He was five years old when the report about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nanny picked him up and fled, but as she was hurrying to flee, he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.
2 SAMUEL 4:4 (CSB)

We read that this son of Jonathan was paralyzed, lame in his legs. His physical brokenness can be seen as a symbol of our spiritual brokenness. Broken and weak, yet our King is more than willing to display His kindness to us. As recipients of such kindness, it should motivate us to extend that to those in our lives, especially the most undeserving.

Soul Search

When have I shown the kindness of God to someone else, especially in a circumstance where I could have easily not?

Prayer

Lord, though I am broken, spiritually lame before You, You are willing to show Your kindness toward me. May I in turn behave as David, and in my own life, display Your kindness toward those around me. In Your precious name, I pray. Amen

Day 2

4The king asked him, “Where is he?” Ziba answered the king, “You’ll find him in Lo-debar at the house of Machir son of Ammiel.”5So King David had him brought from the house of Machir son of Ammiel in Lo-debar.6Mephibosheth son of Jonathan son of Saul came to David, fell facedown, and paid homage. David said, “Mephibosheth!” “I am your servant,” he replied.
2 SAMUEL 9:4-6 (CSB)

Commentary

The town name, Lo-debar, in Hebrew means no word or no thing. This was a nothing town. A man who would’ve been heir to the throne of Israel was instead a no-name, living in a nothing town. Like us who would’ve been heirs of God’s kingdom automatically, if Adam had not transgressed. Our condition is symbolized here, as Mephibosheth was nothing in the kingdom, so are we nothing apart from God.

David called Mephibosheth’s name with enthusiasm. There was a joy in David’s heart to display kindness. For God had been so kind to David in his own life, how could he not in turn display that kindness to Mephibosheth? Surely Mephibosheth was fearful. Likely worried he was going to be killed, as many other kings would’ve done. Not looking to make a case for himself, but facing what he surely thought was coming to him, Mephibosheth bowed down to David and humbled himself before him. This paints a similar picture of us, bowing down to Jesus and humbling ourselves before Him when He called out to each of us.

Like Jesus seeks us out, David sought Mephibosheth out so that he could shower him with grace, not to harm him. Mephibosheth didn’t ask for what was about to come his way; he was resigned to living his nothing life, but the king had other plans for him. Just as our King has plans for each one of us.

10For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”
LUKE 19:10 (CSB)

Soul Search

Do I remember the day Jesus first called out to me?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, while I have my own ideas for how my life will go, You come along and interrupt that. Never to make my life worse, but to display Your grace to me. To better my life, to make it what You want it to be, instead of a “nothing life”. Thank You for Your loving kindness! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen

Day 3

7“Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “since I intend to show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all your grandfather Saul’s fields, and you will always eat meals at my table.”
2 SAMUEL 9:7 (CSB)

Commentary

David calmed Mephibosheth by telling him not to be fearful and sharing with him his intent. Certainly, Mephibosheth had to have faith that David was a man of his word. Similar to us trusting in Jesus by faith that He will do as He promises in His covenant to us. Mephibosheth didn’t need to worry about that, and neither do we. The same God who guided the heart of David guides our hearts too and is the same God who never breaks His promises.

David promised to restore what once belonged to Saul to Mephibosheth. Also, to give Mephibosheth a permanent seat at his table, the king’s table. Just as if he were one of David’s own sons. In accepting David’s call, Mephibosheth received restoration. A picture of us accepting Jesus’ call and receiving restoration in our own lives. Jesus also promises us a seat at His table when He establishes His Kingdom.

30so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom. And you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
LUKE 22:30 (CSB)

Soul Search

Do I understand that what was given to Adam, but lost, is now given back to me, by God’s grace, through my faith in Jesus?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are a God of restoration, taking those of us who are lowly and nothing, giving us a seat at Your table and making us royalty. You’re an awesome God! Who is like You? In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen

Day 4

8Mephibosheth paid homage and said, “What is your servant that you take an interest in a dead dog like me?”9Then the king summoned Saul’s attendant Ziba and said to him, “I have given to your master’s grandson all that belonged to Saul and his family.10You, your sons, and your servants are to work the ground for him, and you are to bring in the crops so your master’s grandson will have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
2 SAMUEL 9:8-10 (CSB)

Commentary

Mephibosheth had no self-worth. He accepted his circumstances and was astounded that David would even show an ounce of interest in him. This is a mindset we can get into, just accepting what seems to be, thinking that God wants nothing to do with us. How much further from the truth could that be?

Though we’ve lost it all, in relation to God’s original intent for humanity, He very much wants to restore it all back to each of us, if we are willing to accept His gift. When God brings restoration, nobody can stop it. Don’t dwell on the “why”, dwell on the fact that He is a good and awesome God, who shows loving kindness to those who don’t deserve it.

We have a King who desires to share His Kingdom with anyone who will come to Him. Even “dead dogs” like you and I, are of so much value to Jesus.

Soul Search

Have I ever questioned why God chose me?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for seeking me out in order to restore me and bless me. Though I am unworthy, out of the goodness of Your heart, You have shown me amazing grace. And oh how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. In Your wonderful name, I pray. Amen

Day 5

11Ziba said to the king, “Your servant will do all my lord the king commands.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table just like one of the king’s sons.12Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Mica. All those living in Ziba’s house were Mephibosheth’s servants.13However, Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem because he always ate at the king’s table. His feet had been injured.
2 SAMUEL 9:11-13 (CSB)

Commentary

At the king’s table, everyone is treated well. Though Mephibosheth was still paralyzed, his life was made better than he could have ever imagined by David’s kindness. Like in our own lives, God doesn’t always take away the “disability”, but He lifts us up. His strength boosts us to be where and what He calls us to be.

God’s blessings are immeasurable, and He ensures that all our needs are taken care of. As David ensured that Mephibosheth would be taken care of the rest of his life.

29Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. 30But even the hairs of your head have all been counted.31So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
MATTHEW 10:29-31 (CSB)

8And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.
2 CORINTHIANS 9:8 (CSB)

As you consider the kindness that God has displayed to you, seek Him and ask Him to show you how you can display His kindness to others. You’re likely not a king or queen, but there is someone in your life whom God has given you the means to bless.

And let us never forget how our King has blessed us, giving us new life today and a seal for the promise of eternity.

3Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.4For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him. 5He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,6to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace8that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ10as a plan for the right time  ​— ​to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.11In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will,12so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.13In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed.14The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.
EPHESIANS 1:3-14 (CSB)

Soul Search

Am I resting in God’s goodness today?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You’ve taken care of it all, so that if I just live in Your grace, I will have all that I need to live a life that glorifies You, my awesome and wonderful Redeemer. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen