December 1, 2023

Author: Pastor David Miner
December 01, 2023

Reading: 2 Samuel 9                 Optional Reading: 2 Samuel 10 - 12
“Don't be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. (2 Samuel 9:7 NIV)

It was my freshman year in college and there were eight of us in four rooms sharing a common bathroom. On the third morning I got up and went into the bathroom to brush my teeth before heading to breakfast. To my shock and horror, Bob (who lived in one of the other rooms) was brushing his teeth, had taken out his eyes and laid them on the counter. I did not know Bob was blind! He turned to me with a massive grin on his face and said, “Hi, I am Bob.” I stammered for a few seconds and finally said, “My name is Dave.” Soon Bob and I were good friends. I would guide him around the campus, teach him how to jump off the high dive into the pool; and help teach him how to ride a bike.

A similar thing happened long ago in Israel. David could have killed Mephibosheth. After all, he was an enemy. King Saul fought against David every step of his life after David became famous. But David had sworn to his best friend, Jonathan, that he would take care of his children. Mephibosheth was disabled. He certainly couldn’t lead a troop against David’s army. He might try and rally the people behind him in the name of Jonathan and King Saul. But he had no interest in that. He simply wanted to survive. David showed kindness to Mephibosheth. He gave the young man a place at his table. He honored the youth with friendship and grace. God ultimately rewarded David for his kindness too.
God loves kindness. Who can you be kind to today?

Father, teach me to be a kind person to everyone. Amen.

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