David asked, "Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?" — 2 Samuel 9:1
The kindness of God. I wonder how often God’s intentions are misunderstood.
In 2 Samuel 9, David is clearly established as king over Israel. He is the dominant power, not just in Israel, but in the entire region. Members of the former dynasty, the house of Saul, have nowhere to hide. If he wants to purge any potential threat of future civil war, now is his chance.
But David isn’t thinking in those terms. Instead, he is looking for an opportunity to show a kindness. His search takes him to a paraplegic, to Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan. The passage doesn’t say, but I believe Mephibosheth must have been terrified. Even as an able-bodied man he would have been defenseless against David.
David had the power to do almost anything he wanted. The only question was his motive. Likewise, God has the power to do anything He wants in our lives. The only question is His motive.
I would like to suggest that God’s power is complete, and His motives are filled with kindness and goodness. While there is reason to tremble at God’s word, we do not cringe before God as those who do not know His motives.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
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