Posts Tagged ‘2nd Samuel 8-10’

Scripture reading for March 29th: 2nd Samuel 8-10

“The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.” (Proverbs 11:5)

Early in his reign as king, David was known for his righteousness and justice.  He was always about the Lord’s business and sought to honor the Lord in all he did.  He defeated many nations and took in much gold and silver as plunder from these people.  We read that David did differently than his predecessor, Saul.  David dedicated the plunder to the Lord.  (2nd Samuel 8:11-12)

David grew famous with all his victories but he sought to give honor to the Lord for these.  As he reigned over Israel, David did what was just and right for all the people of God.  When a ruler is humble and follows the Lord, God honors and favors that ruler.  Righteous rulers are a blessing to those they rule over and God makes their path straight!

David also sought to honor his covenant commitment to his departed friend Jonathan.  David asked if there was anyone whom he could show kindness to from the house of Saul.  Ziba, a servant of Saul’s house, told David of a crippled son of Jonathan named Mephibosheth.  David had him brought before him.  Mephibosheth was probably fearful of David and was helpless because of his infirmity.  David assured him that he was safe and that he would bless him according to the covenant that he swore with his father Jonathan.  David restored his property and gave him a place at his own table as one of his own family!  (2nd Samuel 9:3-11)

David’s righteous rulership is a type of one of his offspring who would take the throne forever!  Jesus Christ is the perfect righteous ruler!  He destroyed all of His father’s enemies.  He treats all people with righteousness and justice!  He looks for covenant brothers and sisters to bless and care for!  He takes them into His own family and feeds and cares for them!  Even though they are helpless and crippled, he values them and honors them!

Take time today to reflect on our Lord’s righteous rule in our lives.  We are His kingdom people and are so blessed to eat at His table!  It is His covenant mercy that blesses us every day!  Praise the Lord!

Scripture reading for March 28: 2nd Samuel 8-10

Have you ever sought out a person who you knew needed help, but would not be able to do anything for you in return?  What have you done to help that person?  What was your motivation in helping him?  If you are a Christian, this should be a way of life!  In our reading today, King David does just such a thing!

David was a warrior and strong man of God.  He was always ready to fight the Lord’s battles and sought the Lord for most of his battles.  He had been involved in a struggle following the death of Saul and Jonathan, his friend.  This struggle was for leadership of the kingdom.  God helped David and brought about victory over Saul’s son Ish-Boseth.  Now David was king, and one of the first acts of his rulership was to seek out any relatives of Saul or Jonathan that he might show kindness to based on his covenant promise to Jonathan.  What an odd thing for a king to do:  show kindness to their chief rival! (2nd Samuel 9:1)

It turned out that one son of Jonathan was still around.  His name was Mephibosheth and he was crippled in both feet from a fall.  David sent for Mephibosheth and greeted him warmly.  He restored all his grandfather’s land and property to him and placed Ziba, his servant, in charge to work the ground for him.  He gave Mephibosheth a seat at the king’s table like one of David’s own sons! (2nd Samuel 9:7)  Wow!  What a turn of events for this crippled son!   What unexpected kindness from this mighty warrior towards a rival whose grandfather had chased him and hunted him for almost 13 years.

King David’s actions are much like that of our gracious God!  God is a kind king who cares for His people.  He honors those who are in covenant relationship with His Son Jesus Christ.  When we are crippled because of sin, he takes us into his house and seats us as one of his own sons.  He restores our property to us and lavishes us with blessing and restoration.  (2nd Corinthians 5:17) We have grace and favor because of the covenant made with the King’s Son!

Look for a way to show kindness to someone who is handicapped, needy, or hurting today.  Try to show special kindness in the way that Jesus has shown the same to you!  Remember, if you have done it to the least of these, you did it to Jesus Himself!  God bless you as you follow our Master today in this kindness!  (Matthew 25:40)