The Old Testament gives us a historical account of God’s chosen people, the Jews, starting from creation with the first Adam and ending before the birth of Jesus Christ, the second Adam. God’s grace and mercy is illustrated throughout the Old Testament in the many recorded stories.

Last week we highlighted the story of David and King Saul. There were many accounts of King Saul going after David to kill him. Although there were two recorded stories where David could have killed King Saul, he never took advantage of those opportunities and allowed God to work in His timing.

David became king after King Saul and his sons were killed in battle against their enemy, the Philistines.  David’s best friend was Jonathan, Saul’s son, who was also killed that day. When news of Saul and Jonathan’s death was known, Jonathan’s son named Mephibosheth, who was five years old at the time, was taken by his nurse to a safe location. Unfortunately, as the nurse was running with Mephibosheth, the boy fell and became lame in his legs. They stayed in hiding because they feared that David would kill Mephibosheth if he found out that he was alive. Traditionally a new king would kill the family of the old king so no one would try to get the throne back. King David did not follow these traditions, but some who served King David took it upon themselves to seek out family members and kill them. When David found out he had those men executed.

As the new king, David inherited all of King Saul’s possessions and lands because there was no one left alive from the house of Saul that David knew. Years later, David asked his staff if there was anyone alive from the house of Saul that he could show kindness to for Jonathan’s sake. There was a servant named Ziba from the house of Saul that spoke up and told David about Mephibosheth.  David had him brought to the palace.

When Mephibosheth was in David’s presence, David told him not to be afraid and told him that he would restore all of his grandfather Saul’s possessions and land. Mephibosheth, who was still lame in his legs, fell forward bowing on the ground and said “ What is your servant , that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?” David instructed  Ziba to take his sons and servants and farm the land for Mephibosheth and take care of everything for him.

David’s other request was that Mephibosheth dine at his table every night like a king's son. So from that time on, Mephibosheth went from poverty and hiding, to a rich inheritance of land, possessions, servants, and a place of honor at the kings table. Mephibosheth didn’t earn these blessings and he had nothing to offer. Even when he heard David speak he considered himself like a dead dog. He was given back these blessings because David had a close relationship with his father and had promised him at one time that he would take care of his family if anything should happen to him.

This story is important because it is recorded in the second book of Samuel for our sakes. David was a man after God’s own heart. He loved God and did his best to do the right thing. Because of his relationship with Jonathan, he had respect for King Saul, did not avenge himself even though Saul was trying to kill him. King David showed grace and mercy to Mephibosheth who could not do anything for him, did not earn it, and had no power or riches. Grace and mercy was extended because of Jonathan, his father. How much more should we embrace God’s grace and mercy towards us because of our relationship with Jesus? We cannot earn God’s goodness because it is a free gift if we receive it.  Understanding how much God loves us will help us trust Him and receive his goodness and grace. (John 3:16)

Read the rest at https://litwithprayer.substack.com/