Read the Bible in One Year: OT – 2 Samuel 9-11 NT – Luke 15:11-32
2 Samuel 9:7 – “Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”
God’s redemptive love and unmerited favour pursues us.
After Saul and his sons died in battle, there was a change in power, and David became the king of Israel. Mephibosheth, being the grandson of Saul, was in a vulnerable position due to his royal lineage and the potential claim he might have to the throne. During that time, it was customary for the new king to eliminate any potential threats from the previous royal family.
However, despite the turbulent history between David and Saul’s family, David chose to show kindness and compassion, guided by the covenant he made with Mephibosheth’s father, Jonathan. He actively pursued him, seeking to uphold the covenant he had made with his dear friend.
David’s act of kindness towards Mephibosheth reflects the kindness and compassion that God shows to us, despite our unworthiness. Just as Mephibosheth was accepted and restored by David, we are accepted and restored by God through His grace, even though we are sinners and undeserving of His favor. There is a powerful parallel between David’s kindness to Mephibosheth and Jesus’ redemptive ministry of love and grace to humanity.
Actively Pursues: David actively pursued Mephibosheth, the crippled grandson of Saul. Despite the troubled history between their families, David sought to show kindness and compassion to Mephibosheth, reflecting his heart for God’s ways. This act of active pursuit parallels Jesus’ relentless pursuit of humanity. In Luke 19:10, Jesus declares that He came to seek and save the lost, reaching out to all, regardless of their past or condition.
Unmerited favour: David’s kindness to Mephibosheth is a manifestation of grace. Mephibosheth was crippled and unable to approach David on his own, nor he did anything to earn or deserve David’s favor. Jesus is the ultimate dispenser of grace. We are spiritually broken and incapable of approaching God through our own efforts or righteousness. Jesus, extends unmerited favour, grace and restoration to all who come to Him in faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Covenant Keeper: Despite the customary practice of eliminating potential threats to his throne, David chose to uphold the covenant and show kindness to Jonathan’s descendants. Similarly, Jesus is the ultimate Covenant Keeper. He fulfills God’s covenant with humanity, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him (Matthew 26:28).
Desires Fellowship: David’s invitation for Mephibosheth to eat at his table creates a sense of fellowship and belonging. Through His sacrificial love, Jesus bridges the gap between God and humanity, offering intimacy and a restored relationship with the Heavenly Father. He invites us to commune with Him, not as servants but as beloved children who have been adopted into God’s family (John 1:12-13, Revelation 3:20).
Restorer: David’s act of restoring all the land that belonged to Mephibosheth’s grandfather Saul highlights his desire to make things right for him. Similarly, Jesus is the restorer of our souls. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He offers forgiveness, redemption, and restoration to all who turn to Him (Psalm 23:3, Acts 3:19).
Accepts People as They Are: Despite Mephibosheth’s physical disability, David fully accepted him and treated him as one of his own sons. This acceptance is a reflection of Jesus’ character. Jesus embraced the marginalized, the broken, and the sinners of His time, extending love and grace to all (Luke 15:2, John 8:1-11).
The story of David and Mephibosheth is a poignant reminder of God’s redemptive love and His desire to extend Amazing Grace to those who are undeserving. In Jesus, we find the fulfillment of this grace as He extends His loving arms to all who seek Him. May we embrace His grace with humility, live as recipients of His love. May we also extend the same love and kindness to others, just as we have received it from Christ, with a world in need of God’s boundless compassion.
Ponder
Have you ever experienced God’s unmerited favor or grace in your life? How did it impact you?
In what ways can we find fellowship and intimacy with Jesus, the ultimate Covenant Keeper, in our daily lives?
How can we, like Jesus, embrace and accept people as they are, offering love and compassion to those who may feel marginalized or broken?
Preethi Jacob is the author of the yearlong devotional At the Potter’s Wheel, Day by Day. Her journey includes teaching a Bible Study Fellowship class, teaching and leading the Sunday School ministry in her church, leading Bible studies, besides counselling young women. She serves on the Global Mission Team of the United Bible Societies and lives in Bangalore, India with her husband and two young adult children.
Jesus reached out to everyone, breaking down social barriers. Let’s follow His example and extend compassion to those in need. How can you show compassion today?
In our spiritual journey, let’s be wary of prioritizing man-made traditions over God’s word. Jesus teaches us that authenticity and heart condition matter more than mere appearances.
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