Welcome to Thankful Thursday: His Encouragement.
I am blessed to be part of a group of bloggers who’ll be sharing a bit of encouragement through Scripture verses. I hope this post blesses you as you finish the week and that you find peace, strength, and comfort in the Lord.
Today, I’m sharing a devotion about 2 Samuel 9:1.
The general practice in ancient times was to kill the heirs of a former king so they couldn’t try and lay claim to the throne. When David became Israel’s king, he seized property that once belonged to Saul. He hunted down Saul’s heirs. He found Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson. Why did he want him? It wasn’t to cause him harm. He gave his Saul’s property. David gave Mephibosheth workers to help in his field. He was allowed to eat at David’s table, which was an honor. Despite being a potential rival, David didn’t look down on Mephibosheth. David would be seen by others as weak for showing kindness to him, particularly because Mephibosheth had a disability. Yet David treated him kindly.
God didn't view David's kindness as weakness. Instead, it was an act of faithfulness. Share on X David was “a man after (God’s) own heart,” as it tells us in Acts 13:22. What others may view as a weakness (such as being kind to others, including those that may be viewed as “less than” by some), God sees it differently.
Lord, help me to show kindness to those You place in my path. Amen.
Thank you for this insight! I hadn’t thought about David appearing weak before others in this kindness extended to Saul’s son. He sets a wonderful example in this, encouraging us also.
You’re welcome. He’s a wonderful example in many way! Have a blessed day, Sondra.
I never thought of Mephibosheth as a possible rival or threat in any way. Thank you for shining light on this kindness!!
David’s kindness can certainly be an example to everyone.