In an interesting story found in 2 Samuel, Chapter 9, King David, responding to the leading of his heart, one day said the following: “Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake?” (verse 1) Please keep in mind that apart from being David’s main persecutor and tormentor, one who stalked him unmercifully with the thought of killing him, King Saul had committed some horrific crimes against many innocent people in Israel. Because of it, many members of his family as well as his followers were extinguished. Of course, many of these died at the hands of men but it is also safe to assume that God’s justice had been served upon them. In fact, when David was king, a terrible three year famine came upon God’s people. When David enquired of the Lord, he was told: “It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.” (2 Sam. 21:1)
Lets go back to what David said about his desire to show kindness to the house of Saul. He could just as easily desired to execute judgment. Instead, he chose to show kindness, mercy if you will, and he did it for Jonathan’s sake. He remembered his best friend’s words the last time they saw each other: “Be kind to me as long as I live. And after I die, don’t ever stop showing your kindness to my family.” (1 Sam. 20:14-15) The one family member that was found was, in fact, Jonathan’s son whose name was Mephibosheth. He was crippled for life since the day his nurse dropped him when he was still a child. To Mephibosheth was restored all the land that had been taken away from all of Saul’s family. Not only, that, he would be an honored guest at the king’s table for the rest of his life. When found, he expected death. Instead, he found life.
Our story is not that much different than Mephibosheth’s. Before Christ, we had been crippled spiritually by the sin in our lives. Because of that sin, God’s justice called for our death and our eternal separation from Him. With us too, God didn’t execute justice. Instead, He extended grace and mercy, granting us forgiveness and eternal life. Why did He do that? He did it for His Son’s sake. He remembered the promise given since the beginning of time when He hinted of the future Redeemer who would crush Satan’s head. (see Genesis 3:15) In fact, to redeem mankind through His Son was in God’s heart and mind even before the world began. Revelation 13:8 says that Jesus was “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Are we blessed or what? May we never forget who we were, who we are now, and how we got here. Praise be to God!
God’s word for today: (1 Corinthians 6:11) “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”
ANNOUNCEMENT: In this life, whether good or bad, all things come to an end. Tomorrow will be the last day I will write this blog. I need to devote more time to my pastoral obligations as well many neglected home chores. Besides, at my age I have to be as physically active as I can. See you tomorrow.
