“David said, ‘Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’ Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, ‘Are you Ziba?’ And he said, ‘I am your servant.’ And the king said, ‘Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?’ Ziba said, ‘There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.’ The king said, ‘Where is he?’ And Ziba said, ‘He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.’ Then King David sent and brought him from… Lo-debar. And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, ‘Mephibosheth!’ And he answered, ‘Behold, I am your servant.’ And David said to him, ‘Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.’ And he paid homage and said, ‘What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?’
“So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king’s table.” 2 Samuel 9:1-8,13
After Saul’s death, David had been installed on the throne over all Israel, and decision after decision, battle after battle, God established him as a righteous, successful king. He was loved and respected at home and feared from abroad. He could have settled into a cushy, cocky reign, but his love for Saul’s son Jonathan, and for the Lord who had blessed their friendship, compelled him to seek out his remaining family. No fame would overwhelm this man after God’s heart, at least yet. (1 Samuel 18:1; 19:1-3; 20:16-17; 2 Samuel 5:1-5,10-12; 7:18-29; 8:6,14)
Whether or not we hold high office or an important position in the world’s eyes, we’re always held dear in God’s eyes. And in caring for us, He deems that we look out for the interests of others as more important than ourselves. Just as Jesus came in measureless love not to be served but to serve, He enables us to love unselfishly and value friendships significantly. We love because He first loved us, and the better we know Him the more it becomes our nature to love others well and look for opportunities to express it. (2 Samuel 10:1-2; John 13:34; Romans 12:9-13; Philippians 2:3-5; 1 John 3:18; 4:19)
How would our friends assess us? Do we faithfully pray and practically care for them, investing time and attention to check in, listen, and follow up? Do we make effort to be concerned for what concerns them? If not, would we ask the Lord to diminish preoccupation with self and expand our interest outward?
How readily do we look for needs to meet and ways to support and encourage friends God has given, and then act generously? Whom can I bless this day with a call, note, help, provision, or focused prayer?
Father, help me love and cherish friends the lavish way You love and cherish me, to Your honor and for Your sake.
As the rain and snow 