Today's Treasure:
"David asked, 'Is there anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?' "
2 Samuel 9:1
I absolutely love today's study!!! It touched me in such an amazing way! I think of how bitter David could have been toward the house of Saul, but he chose to show kindness to his house for the sake of his precious Jonathan. David continues to love his friend, even after his death. Don't you think it is amazing that his child is being taken care of because of the kind heart Jonathan had. We are continuing a look at the many virtues of David. What David has to show us today will be one of your favorites!!!
Beth points out that we should appreciate how God used the old testament to show the virtues of Christ before He was even born. If you look back at Isaac, Moses and David they all had moments when they resembled the virtues of the very Son of God.
Read 2 Samuel 9: 1 - 13
Please take time to read this. It is such a precious story, and it will touch your soul!!!
What emotions do you think David might have been feeling that caused him to ask the question in verse 1?
mercy and grace
Whose kindness was David wanting to show according to verse 3?
God's
How did Ziba describe the son of Jonathan?
a son of Jonathan - crippled in both feet
You see, David asked if there was anyone left in the house of Saul that he could reach out to for his friends, Jonathan's, sake. When Ziba heard the question, he spoke up of Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth. If you recall in a previous study, he was the young son that was crippled as his caretaker tried to flee with him after the death of Jonathan.
What two ways did David want to show kindness to Mephibosheth for the sake of his father, Jonathan?
He invited Mephibosheth to eat at his table for the rest of his life
He wanted to restore all the land of Saul to Mephibosheth
According to verse 8, what do you think Mephibosheth was feeling?
undeserving and humbled
Correct the following statement based on verse 11.
Mephibosheth ate at David's table like one of his own sons...not as an honored guest
In previous studies, we have seen David reach the top of the mountain in his reign. Yet, he really has no one to share it with. He felt that he would have Jonathan by his side. Yes, he had sons of his own, but he longed for a friend. I know exactly how David feels. I cherish each and every one of my friends. I cannot tell you why the Lord has blessed me with so many true friends in my life, but I do not know what I would do without them. I love each and every one!!! David longed for the same, and his dearest friend had been taken away. I know exactly how it feels to have a friend taken away much too soon. I felt that Tina and I would raise our children together, and she would be the one I would look back with and laugh at all the things we went through. I find myself feeling very lonely at times without her. This loneliness can be consuming, and I am sure David felt very empty...even though he seemed to own the world!!!
Consider the virtues of God as we read this story
1. His loving-kindness
Note that David wanted to show God's kindness on someone from the house of Saul
How does God first describe Himself in Exodus 34: 5 -6 when he "proclaimed his name, the Lord" to Moses?
"The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness"
2. His initiation of the relationship
David did not wait for someone to come to him in need from the house of Saul. He sought after Mephibosheth.
Read the following scripture. Note how David's action in seeking Mephibosheth pictures God's action in seeking and loving us
Luke 19:10
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost"
John 15:16
"You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last and the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name"
1 John 4: 19
"We love because He first loved us"
3. His complete acceptance
Ziba immediately made David aware of Mephibosheth's handicap. Yet, David did not hesitate for a moment to continue with his desire to shower him with kindness. You need to think of how people with handicaps were looked upon during this time in history. David wanted Mephibosheth just as he was, just as our God wants us. He doesn't want us to wait until our life is perfect to come to Him. He wants us right now, just as we are.
What does Matthew 9: 12 tell you about the heart of God?
Jesus came to minister to the broken and the hurting
4. His calming spirit
After David called Mephibosheth by name, he immediately told him to not be afraid. Think of how many times the Lord told us not be be afraid
-To the twelve as he sent them forth (Matthew 10:31)
-To a bunch of scaredy-cats in a storm (Matthew 14:27)
-To Peter, James and John overcome by His glory (Matthew 17:7)
-To the father of a dying child (Mark 5:36)
-To a 35 year old mother diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer!!!
5. His delight in restoration
David not only wanted to seek Mephibosheth out, but he promised to restore to him all the land that belonged to Saul. Can you imagine how his jaw must have dropped at hearing this news. Mephibosheth was born into an inheritance that I am sure he never dreamed he would have a chance at. David restored that to him. When God restores us, the best way to show our appreciation is to help others to be restored.
6. His desire for another son
David not only brought Mephibosheth into his home and offered him a place at his table every day, he desired to make Mephibosheth his son. He made him a part of his family. David had sons of his own. He didn't necessarily need to extend his family. But, he wanted to extend his family for the sake of his love for Jonathan. God is always willing to extend his family, too!!!
Delight in writing 1 John 3: 1
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! That is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is because it did not know Him"
Can you think of ways that you resemble Mephibosheth in your own life? How do David's actions resemble the actions of the Lord over your own life?
Thank you for sharing in this lesson with me today!!! I hope that you have a wonderful day, and I love you all!!
Tiffany Pate
No comments:
Post a Comment