Far from deserving, grace still received
David’s generosity in kindness to others takes centre stage in this chapter. After becoming king, David asks an unexpected question: “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul, so that I could show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”
Saul had once been David’s most volatile enemy, yet David chose not to repay evil with evil. Instead, he never rushed the process of claiming his place on the throne, and never forgot his promise to his fondest friend, Jonathan. He was resolved to follow through and show continued mercy towards Jonathan and his family.
“And if I am still alive, will you not show me the faithfulness of the Lord, so that I do not die? And you shall never cut off your loyalty to my house, not even when the Lord cuts off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth.” – 1 Samuel 20:14-15
When David was told about Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son who was lame in both feet and living in Lo-debar – a place of obscurity and lack, David promptly sent messengers to bring him to Jerusalem. Not only did David spare Mephibosheth from judgement, he warmly welcomed Mephibosheth and peaceably reassured and restored him: “Do not be afraid, for I will assuredly show kindness to you for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul; and you yourself shall eat at my table regularly.”
What did Mephibosheth do to warrant such favour and honour? Prostrated before God’s anointed king, full of weakness, fear, and inhibitions, royal treatment befitting of a son of a king was freely extended to him.
Can we draw parallels between our relationship with God and Mephibosheth’s relationship with David? Indeed, each one of us is deeply broken, unworthy, and far from God’s righteous standard, but God, in His mercy, still purposes to seek us out – not to condemn us, but to bless us. Through His grace, God returns us what we have lost and invites us into everlasting fellowship with Him.
David’s kindness was not contingent upon what Mephibosheth deserved; it was firmly established on a covenant of love. In the same way, God’s love for us is not earned – it simply is given. When we truly and fully recognise and understand this, we know to love simply because God first loved us.
As you try to read between the lines of this passage, look into yourself with this single reflection – is my heart just as gracious as my God’s?
Reflection questions:
What does David’s kindness teach us about God’s love?
Has our understanding of grace changed after reading this chapter? If so or if not, how?
How can we mirror God’s mercy in our daily actions?
