10/17/23 - 2 Samuel 9: 1-8

 2 Samuel 9: 1-8

Observation:

After David has become king, he's now looking for any surviving members of Saul's family so that David may show 'lovingkindness' for the sake of his friendship with Jonathan. David first finds Ziba, one of Saul's servants and David asks Ziba if there's anyone still alive that was part of Saul's household so that David may show 'lovingkindness'. Ziba points out Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son who is crippled in both feet and lived in the house of Machir in the city of Lo-debar. David summons Mephibosheth and when Mephibosheth arrives, he falls on his face in reverence. David reassures Mephibosheth to "not fear, for I wwill surely show lovingkindess to you." David also restores all the land that belong to Mephibosheth's grandfather Saul and David informs Mephibosheth that he may eat at David's tables as one of his sons.

Interpretation:

Through David, God shows His grace, mercy and overall kindness. David did not have to display any loyalty towards his enemy's relatives even though David considered Jonathan as his sworn friend. In times to war, it means life or death and trust is an enormous factor on survivability. Taking David's relationship with Jonathan (Saul's son) into serious consideration, Jonathan could have easily killed David to showcase Jonathan's loyalty towards his father and it's stated in the bible that Jonathan indeed respected his father. Jonathan also tried to mediate between David and Saul yet regardless the situation, Jonathan remained loyal to David. Fast forward to Mephibosheth, David in return is showcasing that loyalty by presenting Mephibosheth land, food and prosperity. Here, David is remembering the loyalty that Jonathan displayed even though it's going against his own biological father.

David's bond with Jonathan was unbreakable as it was deep and even got put to the test as Jonathan risked his own life for his friend David. Both David and Jonathan were believers and both obeyed and feared God and through that their bond was unshakeable. Again, going back to the struggle Jonathan had to go through between his friend David (the chosen one) versus his biological father (whom Jonathan respected and I'm sure loved). But Jonathan trusted in God and His decision in David therefore Jonathan chose to honor his commitment to David even though it'll put his life on the line. 

The feeling of anxiety, apprehension and fear to relief, elation and rejoice, these are the feelings Mephibosheth could have felt from the moment he found out that David was to be king to being summoned to go present himself to David and to being actually in front of David. For Mephibosheth could have been dealt with punishment that was resulted from the "sins of his grandfather." Mephibosheth could have ran or went into hiding yet when he was called upon to stand (no pun intended) before David, Mephibosheth obeyed and he was met with reassurance, grace and mercy. 

Personal Reflection:

The loyalty I see in David remembering Jonathan reminds me of how God sees and treats us. God never forgets and He always will remain faithful. There's been numerous occassions in my lifetime when I would put God aside and place God on my bookshelf only to go back to Him when absolutely needed. It speaks volumes to see the lengths Jesus gone through to show how loyal He is to us because not only did He risk his life but also died for us on the cross, and if that's not loyalty I don't know what is. When Jonathan's loyalty and bond were put to the test on whether he would help Saul or help David, one can really imagine to tug-of-war battle that was taking within Jonathan on questioning where exactly his true loyalty lied. I am human and I'm also a Christ believer; therefore, when my faith becomes questioned and challenged, would I be able to stand up and remain loyal and faithful to God. When I was in college, I saw this question being float around especially during the beginning of my college years. When Christian music or a Christian topic would come up, my non-Christian friends would call it out and speak ill-will towards it. They would question it and eventually start questioning me if I am Christian. At first, I would reply by stating "I am Christian but not hardcore" (whatever that meant), but that deep feeling inside of me didn't want to lose that friendship but there was another presence inside that would give me the feeling of sheer disappointment. I could sense God asking me and even questioning me "Do you really feel that way?" Of course I would reply with "No" but it would be followed up with "Then why reject Me?" It was during those times when I knew I needed to change. When we sin, I fear the worst. I fear of God's rejection. I fear of God's disappointment. I feel the shame. I know I'm no where near perfect. Even though I strive to be as Christ-like as possible, I know I will slip up. So when I put myself in Mephibosheth's shoes, whether he did do anything wrong against David and/or God, Mephibosheth still feared for his life. "To the spoils go the victor" and Mephibosheth's life was in David's hands and through grace and mercy, Mephibosheth was blessed. So when I know have sinned against God, the Lord our father still shows grace and mercy towards me. That bond, that loyalty, that faithfulness and overall grace and mercy God presents is truly a blessing and it makes God more and more amazing.

Application:

Loyalty and bonding that David had with Jonathan is something I strive to have with God and eventually having the same relationship within my brothers and sisters in Christ. One of my biggest fears I have in my life is having my faith questioned and being put to the test between God and my family. My father sacrificed his whole family so that he can follow wherever he thought God was leading him. Regardless if my father's calling was indeed true or not, none of us will truly know outside of God. But if God is calling me to do something and I know what I need to do, will I follow? Or will I wither in fear and reject God like how I did back in college? Those are obviously not my proudest moments but it does serve me as a reminder of what took place and not forget God as He has never forgotten me. Right now, I have been called to Disciple Church and been asked to be a lead for the cell group. I will follow where God is leading me and my family. I've noticed that Lil One is starting to open up and Ben Ten is starting to understand the meaning behind church and why we go. I also pray that June will start recommitting her life back to God and He's simply not someone who will provide. Loyalty is simply not a one way street. It goes both ways and while God has done many things for me, I want to serve the Lord and if I'm being asked to help lead and God truly wants me to do it then I will obey. The rest I will leave in God's hands.