THE KINDNESS OF GOD. 2nd Samuel 9:13. "So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king’s table; and was lame on both his feet.” Jonathan was dead, and Saul was dead. The kingly line of Saul was gone except for a five-year-old boy! What to do? The nurse heard the news, quickly grabbed the five-year-old boy, and fled to save his life. Where to go? Away from here. Far away where, no one will think to find a young prince. Hide him; disguise him; do whatever is necessary to keep him from the Avengers! How to go? There is no time to call for help. Flee, run, and go as far and fast as possible without anyone knowing where. So, the nurse with the boy in her arms ran for his life. How unfortunate that fall was! Not just one foot, but both feet. Irreparable, can’t be helped, crippled for life – but alive! Until she died, the nurse would wonder if she could’ve done anything different.
But the heavenly Father, who has delegated angels for the children, watched over that fleeing nurse and little boy until they reached a safe place called Lodebar. It wasn’t a nice place, but it was a safe place. Over the years, as he grew accustomed to the pain and the crutches, he grew and lived in obscurity. No one knew, and no one cared as far as he was concerned. But…The Father in heaven knew and cared.
When the kingdom was consolidated after the significant expansion of territory, David could deal with personal matters left unattended. He had made a covenant with his best friend Jonathan years before, and the time had come to keep his promise. The narrative in the following eleven chapters uses historical examples to teach us the fundamentals of living for God. Showing kindness and love was an excellent place to start.
Mephibosheth was five years old when his father died in battle, and he became lame because of a fall while fleeing. In this part of the narrative, Mephibosheth is the father of a young son, and for all those years in obscurity, Machir, the son of Ammiel, provided for him. Machir was probably a man of wealth and position in Lodebar, and he was also a man of kindness. At a later time, he showed kindness to David, and Absalom led a rebellion.
He who holds the heart of the king in His hand moved the king to remember where he came from, the goodness of God to him, and the close friend who had died. God had shown him kindness. The servant Ziba, who wanted to ingratiate himself with the king, knew where Mephibosheth was but kept it to himself. His interest was self-serving, and he had kept the information for a better day. Machir, the son of Ammiel in Lodebar, knew and showed kindness to Jonathan’s son for years at his own expense. Ammiel was one of the “People of God” (the meaning of his name), and Machir, his son, would have known the crippled man from his youth.
King David cared and wanted to know because love for a friend doesn’t die, even if the friend does. A friend is one whose needs I can meet, not just one who meets my needs. A friend encourages his friend in God. A friend is one with whom I share a deep common interest. A friend is committed to helping his friend realize God’s purpose and potential for his life. A true friend declares his loyalty and commitment to the friendship. A friend keeps his promises.
Even though Mephibosheth was afraid when David sent for him to come to Jerusalem, he was assured he had nothing to fear. David had an obligation to fulfill, and as a man of integrity, he did what he said he would do. His kindness toward Jonathan’s son was not a façade but a demonstration of the strength of his character.
God's kindness (grace) was now to be shown to the one far away through the king, who in turn was the servant of God. The blessings God had demonstrated to Mephibosheth’s grandfather and father were now to be his. Instead of being poverty-stricken, he was rich. Instead of being far off, he was brought near. Instead of obscurity, he was notable and wealthy. Instead of being a “dead dog,” he was now like one of the king’s sons. Instead of being pitied, he was now served. Instead of being hungry, he ate at the king’s table.
Mephibosheth was alive and well. His little boy is with him, too! He’s back with his young son, Micha (“who is like Jehovah”), in the place of blessing. I am no longer a stranger, no longer at a distance, but now in a place of blessing, thanks to the kindness of God. The lameness doesn’t change anything – he is accepted and blessed because of the grace of God.
We deserve nothing from God, and He is not obligated to us in any way, but the “kindness and love of God” has been demonstrated to us. Instead of punishing us because we are sinners, in His kindness, He has given those who believe in Him “all things in Christ” and has brought us to Himself. In His “banqueting house,” the “banner over us is love.” How does He expect us to respond to His kindness and love? He wants us to “tale the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.” A lasting relationship has been established with those who have gladly accepted His gift of eternal life and love Him who loves us.
In the presence of royalty, give honor, and always give honor where it is due. Reverence and respect are the ways we show our allegiance. We do this before authorities and kings when we come before those appointed by God to be “ministers of righteousness.” How much more must we honor the Lord; it is appropriate to bow low before Him, for He is the Most-High God.
When our knees are bent, and our backs bowed before the Almighty God, we show not a fearful heart but sincere respect to Him. With our faces toward the ground and eyes shut, there are no distractions, so I won’t forget that I am in the presence of Him, who holds my breath in His hand. Even though I’m a frail mortal man, He has bid me to come to Him and make my requests to Him with thanksgiving for the blessings I have received and the grace that made it possible for me to go to Him.
The position is not the door into His presence so we can speak to Him at the throne of grace. It is more an attitude of heart when we make requests or seek communion with Him. In every position or moment, God’s ear is tuned to our cry with the gracious heart of a father. He bids us always to draw near to Him, and He will draw near to us. Sometimes, there are very few words when we begin to pray. Sometimes, silence seems more appropriate than what we might say, but reverent respect is always proper. Whether on my knees or when driving a car, the Supreme God is forever near to hear my call, no matter the circumstances.