Wednesday, October 02
Read: II Samuel 16: 1-4, 19: 24:30
HONEY DROPS FOR EVERY SOUL
“Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let him take everything, now that my lord the king has returned home safely.” (II Samuel 19:30)
Mephibosheth was five years old when his father Jonathan and grandfather Saul were killed in the battle against the Philistines. His nurse fled with Mephibosheth, but sadly, dropped him and he became lame in both his feet. When David came to the throne, he restored Mephibosheth’s inheritance, made Ziba his servant, and allowed him the privilege of eating daily at his table. Mephibosheth was a man of noble character.
When David fled from Absalom, Ziba lied to David that Mephibosheth did not go with David, but remained in Jerusalem in order to claim the throne which once belonged to his grandfather Saul. But when David later returned to Jerusalem, Mephibosheth explained to David the true reason for his not following the king into exile. He said, “My lord and my king, since I your servant am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled and will ride on it, ...’ But Ziba, my servant betrayed me.” (II Samuel 19: 26) When David asked him to share his land with Ziba, Mephibosheth’s response was amazing. He said, “Let him take everything, now that my Lord the king has arrived home safely.” The land had once been entirely his and now he was being asked to share it with the deceiver Ziba, his servant! How easy it would have been for Mephibosheth to nurture bitterness towards David! Instead he remembered that his life had been transformed by the king’s kindness. His greatest delight was that the king had returned. How great was his love and loyalty to David! He did not desire his property back, but his king.
Dear friends, we may be mistreated, we may have been denied of our rights, but let us be like Mephibosheth. Let us make all efforts to nurture thoughts of love, peace and gratefulness.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, Mephibosheth remembered how merciful David was to him, and how he took good care of him. He willingly submitted to David’s decision even though it meant denying his rights. Let me follow Mephibosheth’s example and be gracious in my attitude toward others. Amen.
Comments