[One-Verse Meditation]

2 Samuel 9:3 (ESV)

“And the king said, ‘Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?’ Ziba said to the king, ‘There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.’”

(Meditation)

David inquires after Jonathan’s household. If there is anyone still alive, he says that he wants to show that person the kindness of God. Of course, we could read this simply as an expression of David’s good character. We might say that David was naturally a kind man. But what Scripture wants to show us is not merely David’s kind heart itself, but the motive and source behind it.

David does not describe the kindness he shows to Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth as something that comes from himself. He calls it “the kindness of God.” And he makes clear that the starting point of this kindness is “for Jonathan’s sake.” Long before this, Jonathan, who shared with David a love for God and for Israel, had asked him, “Do not cut off your steadfast love from my house forever.” In this passage, David keeps that promise. And Scripture calls that act the kindness of God.

That means even our good intentions have their source in God. It means that God has held all those years in His hands, has kept that promise from being forgotten, and has brought it to fulfillment. Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth is the one who receives that kindness of God. He has all the land of his household restored to him, and he is welcomed into fellowship at the king’s table. Yet none of this came to him because of anything in himself. It was the result of the promise between Jonathan and David, who loved one another like brothers. And over all of it rested the grace of God.

So it is with our lives as well. Our lives are the fulfillment of the covenant that God established before the foundation of the world and has faithfully kept. The life of life we enjoy in Christ Jesus is the kindness of God. Just as Mephibosheth received it freely, so we too live this life with no merit of our own. Day by day we are invited to the King’s table and given fellowship with the Lord. What amazing grace this is. Those who live today by this grace are the saints.

(Prayer)

Lord, I praise You, for You are the God who is faithful to Your promises. By that grace, even today, I live the life You have given. Knowing that Your kindness rests upon each step I take, help me walk into this new day with joy and thanksgiving. Amen.
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(Daily Meditation)

2 Samuel 9:1–10:3