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Thursday

April 9th - A Merciful Monarch

A Merciful Monarch

(2 Samuel 6:20-23; 7:1-3, 18-29; 8:15-18; 9:1-13)

(1 Chronicles 16:37-43; 17:1-27; 18:14-17)


David and Mephibosheth

Artist Unknown


David worshipped the Lord with all he had, abandoning appearances to glorify the Lord. After celebrating the return of the ark of God, King David appointed ministers, and gatekeepers to perform the daily sacrifices and sacred tasks before returning home.


Merciful at Home


A single verse stands out starkly, revealing the attitude with which David reentered his household, after being away for a stretch.

“David returned home to bless his family.”

(1 Chronicles 16:43b, NIV)


David was, no doubt, exhausted from journeys and battles. The stress of leading the nation of Israel surely weighed heavily upon his shoulders and his mind. Still, he headed home with his mind set on blessing his family.


How many fathers can say the same, as they make their way home from a business trip, a difficult meeting or simply a full daily routine? How differently might families operate, if parents carried such a positive attitude of the heart homeward to those they love? What a wonderful statement of worship to the Lord this could be.


Merciful to Mephibosheth


David had sworn a covenant oath with Jonathan (see 1 Samuel 20:14-17), promising kindness to Jonathan’s family for generations to come. Today’s Bible reading reveals just how prophetic this promise proved to be.


Jonathan had a son named Mephibosheth, who was cripped in both feet, having been dropped by his nurse as a child (see 2 Samuel 4:4). Once established in Jerusalem, David sent for the young man, planning to show him kindness. Mephibosheth arrived and bowed before the king, pleading for mercy. Mephibosheth, in his own strength, would prove to be no real asset to the king.

David promised Mephibosheth the inheritance of his family, as grandson of Saul and son of Jonathan. The king instructed the late Saul’s servants to manage Mephibosheth’s estate and care for him throughout his life. David also decreed that Mephibosheth would eat at his own table, along with David’s own family.


A Model of Mercy


In many ways, David’s actions mirror the mercy of God Himself. In our human weakness, we have nothing to offer the Lord, but He welcomes us to His own table with loving-kindness. He cares for us and meets our daily needs. He keeps His promises to every generation.


Why does the Lord offer such mercy?


David’s prayer of thanksgiving to God reveals an important reason for the loving-kindness of the Lord. Surely, the Lord loves us. What’s more, He glorified His own holy Name by keeping His own Word and caring for those He loves.

“For the sake of Your word

and according to Your will,

You have done this great thing

and made it known to Your servant.”

(2 Samuel 7:21, NIV)


The Lord is honored by fulfilling His own Word. He is glorified by bringing His promises to pass. May He be revealed to all and worshiped for His faithfulness, as He cares for His people.

Surely, He is worthy of our trust and adoration.


Will you pray with me?


Awesome Jehovah,

Mighty God

And Father of love,

We worship You.

Glorify Your Name

In our lives today,

As we seek Your mercy.

Reveal Your great love

To us,

That we may trust You more,

For You are good.

Your Word is truth.

Hallelujah.

Amen.


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1 comment:

  1. I love the story of David and Mephibosheth. What a beautiful way he honored his fallen friend.

    Do I keep my oaths like this? Not always, but David (at least in this story) inspires me to be of better character.

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