May 9 (Daily reading: 2 Samuel 8-9; 1 Chronicles 18) The story of David and Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9 is an illustration of how we can express God’s grace to others. David asked Ziba, a former servant of Saul’s house, “Is there no one remaining of the house of Saul to whom I could show the kindness of God?” (v. 3). God’s word tells us: “Be kind to one another” (Eph. 4:32). This began by David actively seeking someone to whom he could be kind. God did that when He sent His Son to us; we too should look for opportunities to show grace to others.
David had nothing to gain, and Mephibosheth had everything to gain, when David showed him grace. Is this not how it is in our salvation? God needs nothing from us, yet He sought us out, and saved us! “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Lk. 19:10). We demonstrate grace when we show God’s kindness with no ulterior motives.
Grace was demonstrated when David accepted Mephibosheth exactly as he was. Ziba told David that Mephibosheth was handicapped, as if this might change David’s mind. Mephibosheth himself felt unworthy of David’s attention. He said, “What is your servant, that you should be concerned about a dead dog like me?” (v. 8). God offers His grace to us, just as we are! We should demonstrate that same grace to others.
The greatest example of grace was when David made Mephibosheth a member of the king’s family: “So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table as one of the king’s sons” (v. 11). How great it is to know that we are a child of the King! “See how great a love the Father has given us, that we would be called children of God!” (1 Jn. 3:1).
– Al Gary
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