Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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ACTIVENESS IN THE MIDST OF LIMITATION

2Samuel 9: 1-13
“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
After the death of Saul and his sons David becomes king of Israel. This chapter deals with the kindness and hospitality of the King David on Mephibosheth, the surviving son of Jonathan. David desired to extend grace to a member of Saul’s family instead of destroying and executing judgment. He did this because of his intense relationship and covenant swore to Jonathan.

Limitations of Mephibosheth: - Mephibosheth was a cripple man and his legs were permanently damaged. He was son of a prince, but was living in limitations of poverty and dependent on others. He was poor for he had lost his inheritance and did not have access to the wealth or the land of his family. He was in a shameful condition and was like an exile, outcaste and was a fugitive. He had no hope and no prospects for his family. He lived in fear and in misery every day and was afraid that kind David would take his life away. Thus he represents the pathetic condition of human limitation.

Elevation from limitations: - David sends for this son of Jonathan. Mephibosheth was presented before David but overwhelmed by the grace he had received. He acknowledged that he was not worthy of mercy and love and refers himself as a dead dog. The implication is that he is worthless compared to David. But David promises him restoration of all the wealth and glory that once belonged to the family of Saul and also promised a place at King’s place. All his present needs were met and his future was secured. He was adopted into the royal family of David. The king gave him a new address, a new position, a new family and he became a child of the king. He was elevated into a new place.

This kindness of David represents the divine grace and love towards the sinful humankind like us. Mephibosheth represent the total depravity of humanity and pictures the lost sinners like me and you. The transformation of Mephibosheth happened because of the power of grace. It takes the lost sinner, changed him completely and gave him a new seat at the Lord’s Table. The grace of God takes us from our Lodebar (v. 4) and makes us one of God’s children.

Prayer: Lord we thank you for your abundant blessings and grace upon us to overcome our limitations in every sense. We accept that we are unworthy to all your kindness upon us.


Rev. A.B. Binu, Long Island MTC, New York



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