Read 2 Samuel 9

Kindness

David made a commitment to his friend Jonathan that he would show kindness to his family. Many years after the death of Jonathan, David made good on that promise by seeking out those of the family of Saul who had survived. The son of Jonathan, Mephibosheth, was found. Mephibosheth had been lame since the age of five; he grew up and married and had a son of his own.

David assured Mephibosheth that he was not looking for vengeance against Saul’s house. “Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually” (2 Samuel 9:7).

Mephibosheth showed his gratitude toward David in humility, acknowledging his unworthiness of such an honor. “What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?” (2 Samuel 9:8). David fulfilled his vow to Jonathan and did all that he said he would do for Mephibosheth. “‘As for Mephibosheth,’ said the king, ‘he shall eat at my table like one of the king’s sons’” (2 Samuel 9:11).

Brother James Burton Coffman relates David’s kindness to the son of Jonathan to God’s kindness for all humanity. “Sinners all, we mortals, like Mephibosheth, have been wounded, crippled, because of the ‘fall’ of our progenitors in Eden. Like David did for Mephibosheth, God has honored and blessed us with the promise of eternal life, inviting us to feast at His table in the kingdom perpetually. Also, God does this, not because of any merit or righteousness on our part, but ‘for Jesus’ sake.’”

Do we appreciate God’s mercy as we should? Separated from Him because of our iniquity, and yet despite our rebellion and rejection, He leaves the door open for us to return. He does not want to execute judgment upon us; He wants to forgive us and fellowship with us. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Let us accept His gracious offer and submit to Him in humility, and let us extend mercy to those around us just as He has extended mercy to us!