Matters of the Heart

It's 9/13 and the verse of the day is 2 Samuel 9:13, "And Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet, moved to Jerusalem to live at the palace."  NLT

I know what you're thinking.  You're thinking, "Why in the world would anyone choose this kind of verse as a daily verse?"  I'm so glad you asked!  I found this obscure verse in this obscure chapter in the bible - if there is such a thing.  The story encouraged me, as I hope it will encourage you.

The entire 9th chapter of 2 Samuel is a magnificent story that paints a picture of King David's character and compassion.  Before his friend Jonathon died, King David had promised him that he would show his family kindness.  Jonathon's father, King Saul, had relentlessly pursued David and tried to kill him, so one would almost understand if David chose not to follow through with such a promise.  Yet that is not what happened. 

One day, King David asked if anyone from Saul's family was still alive.  It turned out that one of Jonathon's sons, Mephibosheth, was still alive, but was crippled.  King David had him brought to him and he told him he was honoring a vow he had made to his father.  He gave him all the land that had once belonged to Mephibosheth's grandfather, Saul.  But he didn't stop there, he invited him to live in the palace with him, just as if he were one of his own sons.  In essence, because of a promise he had made a long time ago to a dear friend, King David adopted this crippled man.  What a guy! 

I love the mercy and faithfulness King David portrays in this story.  He was faithful to the promise he made his friend and he was merciful to his crippled son.  We can all learn valuable lessons from such a great example of integrity.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all kept our promises and honored others?  And what if we went out of our way to take care of the disadvantaged and helped them whenever we could?  

Sometimes, showing kindness to others blesses us way more than it blesses them.  Why do you think that is so?  I think it's because such behavior makes all of us better people.  It's no wonder King David was a man after God's own heart.  He certainly had a big heart himself.  And speaking of hearts, he sure makes mine smile:)