Scripture2 Samuel 9:1David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”ObservationDavid desires to show kindness to someone from the house of Saul. Through Ziba, one of Saul’s former servants, David discovers that Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, is alive, although lame in both feet. David summons Mephibosheth and informs him that not only will he eat at the king’s table from this day forth, but that David will return his grandfather’s estate to him. Additionally, David instructs Ziba and his household to farm the land in order to provide for Mephibosheth.
UnderstandingGod-like kindness and compassion is active and purposeful
God is the initiator of relationship and blessing. In his book, Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby points out that,” God pursues a continuing love relationship with [us] that is real and personal”.
No wonder God calls David “a man after my own heart”. In showing kindness to Mephibosheth, David mirrors not just the grace and mercy of God but also God’s purposefulness in seeking out those who are in need of such compassion. Like God, David is not passive about showing unmerited kindness. Instead of waiting for an opportunity to present itself, David actively seeks out one whom he can bless – just like the God about whom the scriptures testify:“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him…” (2 Chronicles 16:9).God is constantly looking for someone and someway that He may bless and show kindness.Life ApplicationI need to be purposeful and watchful for opportunities to show God’s kindness to others
I am so glad that Jesus did not wait for me to seek Him before I could be saved. If that were so, then I would be lost because I was dead in my transgressions (Ephesians 2:4-6). Instead of waiting for me to recognize my need, God sought me out to make me alive to His gift of salvation. Since Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), I need to seek out and share the gospel with those who are lost. Instead of merely responding to a revealed need, I need to be as purposeful as was David, asking God to make known to me someone whom I can bless and to whom I may show kindness – and then do so!
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hereGary Parker
