God’s Super Grace

[Bishop Dr. Amen Howard]

God’s Super Grace   2 Sam. 9: 1-13

Dr. Amen Howard

One of the most touching stories in the Old Testament involves King David and a man with the unusual name of  Mephibosheth.  Mephibosheth was the grandson of King Saul and the son of Jonathan.  Saul was the King of Israel who lost his anointing from the Lord because of his disobedience at Gilgal. 

Jonathan was David's closest and dearest friend. Even when Saul was trying to have David murdered,  Jonathan remained faithful to his friend David.  When Saul and Jonathan both perished at Gilboa, David mourned the loss of his friend in the "Song of the Bow" recorded in 2 Samuel 1:

"How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights. I grieve for you, Jonathan my  brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful..."

Mephibosheth was only five years old when his father and grandfather fell to the Philistines.   When word of the slaughter reached the royal estate, everyone fled in panic.  A family nurse who was carrying young Mephibosheth tripped and fell to the ground, breaking both of  the child's feet.  This left him crippled for life, unable to walk.

Years later when David had defeated all of Israel's enemies, he sought to find one of Jonathan's family so he could show them kindness out of love and respect for his beloved friend.  David was told Jonathan's son Mephibosheth was still alive but was crippled.

David sent for Mephibosheth, who trembled before the king. "Don't be afraid," David said to him,  "for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan.

 

 I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table."

From that day forward Mephibosheth and his family came into David's house and ate at the king's table like one of the king's sons.

Mephibosheth had done nothing to deserve David's kindness.  Yet he was adopted into the king's family.  In the same way, you and I have done nothing to deserve God's kindness, yet we have been adopted into the King's family.

The Bible says to whom much is given, much is required   (Luke 12:48). 

 Ask God today to lay on your heart someone to whom you can show kindness for Jesus' sake.

Lord, we thank You for the gift of Your grace, freely given to us, even though we have done nothing to earn or deserve it.  Help us today to show kindness and mercy to those we come in contact with.  Help us to forgive as we have been forgiven.  Help us to love as we are loved.