David tends to Jonathan's son

2 Samuel Chapter 9

One day David began to wonder if anyone in Saul's family was still alive, for he had promised Jonathan that he would show kindness to them. He summoned a man named Ziba, who had been one of Saul's servants and asked Ziba if anyone from Saul's family was still alive so he could show God's kindness to them.

Ziba replied that one of Jonathan's sons was alive, but he was crippled and was in Lo-debar at the home of Makir son of Ammiel. So David sent for him. His name was Mephibosheth, he was Jonathan's son and Saul's grandson. He bowed low to David in great fear. But David told him not to be afraid, and told him of the vow he made to Jonathan. He promised to give him all the land that once belonged to his grandfather Saul and he would be allowed to live in the palace.

Mephibosheth fell to the ground before the king and said, "Should the king show such kindness to a dead dog like me?"

Then the king summoned Ziba and told him he gave Saul's grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. So Ziba and his sons and servants were to farm the land for Mephibosheth to produce food for his family, but Mephibosheth was to live in the palace.

Ziba, who had fifteen son and twenty servants, said that yes, he would do all as commanded. And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly with David as if he were one of David's own sons. Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. From then on, all the members of Ziba's household were Mephibosheth's servants and Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet, moved to the palace.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: David was kind to Mephibosheth because he honored his promised to the anointed king Saul and to honor Jonathan. David's treatment of Mephibosheth shows David's integrity as a leader. His generous provision for Jonathan's son, went beyond any political benefit he might have received.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? Mephibosheth probably felt unworthy to accept David's gifts. And many of us feel unworthy to accept the gifts of forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven from almighty God. But a reception even warmer than the one David gave Mephibosheth awaits all of us who receive God's gifts through trust in Jesus Christ, not because we deserve it, but because of God's promise (Ephesians 2: 8,9).

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, and Arlene’s nephew David. Update on Lori: she sheds her back brace soon and can drive. She thanks God for healing her. Please continue to pray for her during recovery. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home from the hospital and having rehab for the paralysis on one side of her body. Continue to pray for her recovery.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues. Update on Stella: A photo of her shows a chubby, alert baby. But a lung problem has arisen and she faces surgery again. She continues to have a long road, so prayers are still needed.
Update on Mark: He has some paralysis on one side from the stroke, his eyesight has been impaired too. But he has gone home and his wife cares for him. Soon he will begin therapy. Continue to pray for his healing.
Pray also for my aged friend Elaine who underwent surgery and is home healing slowly.
Update on Craig: he ended up having a stent put in and is back to work. Keep him and his family on your list for prayers. Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.