April 25th~A King's Kindness

2 Samuel 8:15-18


1 Chronicles 18:14-17

1 Chronicles 6:16-30, 50-53, 31-48


2 Samuel 9:1-10:19


1 Chronicles 19:1-19

David honored his covenant with his good friend Jonathan by showing kindness to his son Mephibosheth. Here is another type of Christ, a beautiful portrayal of what God has done for us. The Lord, who is pictured on the throne as mighty David, has all power and privilege, yet He is moved to compassion for His subjects. Like David, He is able to reign down judgment on the evil inhabitants of His kingdom, but He is more desiring to extend His love and kindness.

In this story, Saul represents mankind, once God’s anointed, yet fallen from favor. Man, though once at peace with God, has fallen from heaven’s graces. Then, there is Jonathan; although he is a son of that fallen family, he portrays the life of the sinless Son of Man, Jesus Himself, who had forged a covenant with King David. Likewise, Jesus forged a new covenant with God by His death on the cross.

Next, there is the lonely Mephibosheth, who is a picture of you and me, crippled in our sin and unable spiritually to help ourselves. Finally, there is Ziba, the servant of the King, who brings Mephibosheth to David and, then, ministers to him in his condition. Does not the Spirit of God draw men unto the saving presence of God and, then, empower them in their sinfulness to live the life of Christ?

The picture is clear — God has shown us His compassion and kindness. As David, who did not have to act for Mephibosheth’s sake, was prompted to act out of His love for Jonathan, so does our Heavenly Father act, not on any merits that we have ourselves but upon His love for His own Son. It is true, God has demonstrated much love for us in that “while we were still sinners, He sent Christ to die for us” (Romans 5:8).

Daily Reflection

How can we, who have been given so much, so freely, hold back from doing the same with others? How can we, who have been extended the gracious and giving hand of God, hold out a hand of scorn or point fingers of judgment? Would we not be hypocrites if we did not express the same kindness as we have received?

Jesus had something to say about this, when He told the story of the slave who owed His Master a great deal of money. The Master passed judgment and arrested him and his family. However, He then forgave the debt and released the slave. Once he found himself free, the slave found people who owed him money and treated them harshly until they could repay him.

Upon hearing of the slave’s hypocritical ways, the Master called him in and questioned him. “How can you treat your servants this way,” the Master asked him, “after I have shown you so much kindness? How can you not forgive their debt to you? Didn’t I forgive your debt to Me?” The slave had no answer; he was put in shackles and handed over to the torturers.

Consider your ways. Would you consider yourself to be a kind person? Why or why not?

Have you treated others as God has treated you? Are you putting others in “shackles” when God has freed you from your own? Don’t play the hypocrite, but rather demonstrate God’s love and kindness by loving others in the same way. Set them free with your kindness.

BiAY.org | Day 115 — 250 Days to Go