King David honored Mephibosheth for the sake of the covenant that he had with his father (Jonathan). David and Jonathan were good friends, and they have promised to stand by each other for a long time. Unfortunately, Jonathan died prematurely. Prior to his death, Jonathan protected David against King Saul’s assaults. Jonathan acted against his father’s wish who considered David as a rival and wanted him dead by all means. Jonathan used his royal influence to protect David and helped him to escape his father’s assassination attempts. However, Jonathan and King Saul died in a battle against philistine; David became the new king. Once enthroned, David honored the covenant that he had with Jonathan, and he brought Mephibosheth to his palace and gave him portions of a prince. He also dialogued with the boy and said,
“Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually” (2 Samuel 9:7).
Lesson:
Love is better than hatred, and children of God must show love to other people. Of course, we may not be fortunate to experience loving situations every day of our lives: some situations would tend to provoke rage, hostility, and revenge. However, believers are still tasked to love people in every situation. We children of God must pursue love and forgiveness. We should pray and ask God to help us during difficult situations so that we can love when it is not convenient. God will surely send his Holy Spirit to empower us to positively respond to challenging situations in a way that will glorify his holy name.
Prayer:
Dear God, please help me to respond to hateful situations with a godly attitude! When circumstances are rough and rash, help me to respond positively so that devil can be ashamed, and your name can be glorified. Please empower me through Holy Spirit to remain your good child unto the end of my life, so that I can be qualified to rejoice with you in heaven. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.
