Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Difference and Dignity of All Creation
Scripture2 Samuel 9: 1-13
Key Bible Verse Text
.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.”
Devotional Text
The quid pro quo, “you scratch my back, I scratch yours” is at the core of how we operate in today’s society. We are often only motivated to do things if we think there will be something in it for us. However, the passage for today’s devotion introduces a different idea.
In 2 Samuel 9, we see how King David goes out of his way to find Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, and the grandson of Saul, in order to support him. Before David entered the scene, Mephibosheth’s future was bleak. The scripture emphasizes multiple times that Mephibosheth was lame in both feet; additionally, by this point Saul and Jonathan had both passed away and Mephibosheth had limited land, wealth, or resources. Furthermore, due to his disability, he was unable to be self-sufficient. King David, on the other hand, was in a position of power and had great wealth. However, it is interesting that David would choose to show kindness to this family. When Saul was alive, he and David did not have a good relationship. Saul had tried to harm and kill David on many occasions. Therefore, it did not make sense for David to go out of his way to help Mephibosheth to make sure he was taken care of for the rest of his life. Along with restoring all of Saul’s land onto him, David also stated that Mephibosheth would always have a seat at the King’s table. Essentially, despite Mephibosheth’s current social standing, King David permanently elevated Mephibosheth’s status. David did not have to do this. He did not have a personal relationship with Mephibosheth. However, because he deeply loved Jonathan, he made sure Jonathan’s family was set up for success for the generations to come, despite David’s history with Saul.
When God uplifts us and blesses us with many things, it is not for the purpose of keeping all those blessings for ourselves. We are called to obey God and be generous to the less fortunate. Many people probably questioned why a man who was lame was now eating meals at the king’s table; however, David did not care. He did not let the opinion of others sway his actions. Similarly, we are called to respect, serve, and show kindness to everyone around us regardless of their status or ability.
Prayer
Lord, teach us to love others unconditionally just as you have loved. Teach us how to be generous with our resources and how we can bless the lives of those around us for generations to come. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. ~Psalm 112:5
Marybeth Babu, Long Island Mar Thoma Church, New York