Prayer Journal

Thursday, November 2, 2000
307/59
Read the Bible through in OneYear

David was doing pretty good. The Lord gave him victory everywhere he went. (2 Sam 8:6b) He was famous. (8:13) His kingdom was united and the people were pleased with him. (8:15) His sons were loyal advisors. (8:18). So, what does a man of God do when everything is going good? If you're David, you search for a way to show your gratitude to some deserving person who doesn't expect it.

"David asked, 'Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?'" Ziba, a servant of Saul, answered him and pointed out that Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth was still living. David sent Ziba to go bring Jonathan's son to him.

I'm certain Mephibosheth was apprehensive when he was called before the king. After all, David was the man who occupied his grandfather's throne. His father probably told him that David was his friend "But what does the king want with me now? Does he seek to make an example of me for the mistakes of my grandfather?"

Scripture tells us that Mephibosheth was crippled in both feet. He must have suffered a lack of self esteem. Most of the men in his family were wiped out in a single battle with his father. And as the throne eventually passed on to David, Mephibosheth probably felt that life as he knew it was over.

What Mephibosheth didn't know was that David had nothing but respect for his family and loved his father and grandfather. There was no hidden agenda behind David's action. He simply wanted to show his love for Jonathan by honoring his son. And David did so by restoring all Saul's property to Mephibosheth, giving him 36 servants to farm his land and making him a permanent part of the royal family.

This benevolence on David's part is a beautiful example of God's redeeming grace offered to sinners. Crippled by sin and undeserving of God's favor, we had no hope. Still, for his Son's sake, God extends an invitation to us to become a member of His royal family. We're granted the property rights of His Son and as a child of the king, a chair of honor is saved for us at the King's table.

Have you accepted the gracious invitation of the King to come dine?
If you're breathing, there's still time.    Just Thinkin'.. WebServant

 

(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.

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