Context for this week’s devotionals can be found in the story of David and Mephibosheth. You can read the whole account here: 1 Samuel 20, 2 Samuel 4:4, 2 Samuel 9
For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.
What would it take for you to make amends with an enemy? Would you even consider it? What would it look like and how hard would it be for you?
Despite the fact that King Saul sought to kill David, his attempts were unsuccessful. We know from our earlier reading this week, that Jonathan played a key role in keeping David safe. However, given the fact that Mephibosheth (Jonathan’s son) was rushed to safety at the death of his father and grandfather, it is safe to assume Mephibosheth lived in fear of David who had now become King.
In ancient times (and maybe not so ancient) it would be common for a new king to take retribution on the descendants of his enemies or the prior king so that there would be no danger of them seeking to retake the throne. But King David was different. Because Jonathan helped save his life David vowed to look kindly on all his descendants. Mephibosheth was the recipient of that kindness.
My guess is many of us would think: well of course I would look kindly on my enemies if they saved my life!
But think about this from the perspective of our sins. Sin makes us an enemy of God. Hard to hear, I know. However, God gives us a way to make amends so we are no longer enemies. By giving His son’s life up to death on the cross we were forgiven of our sins and invited into a relationship with Him. Think about that. He sacrificed His son (Jesus) and in doing so we were forgiven of our sins before we were even born! All we have to do is to accept Him and what He has done for us. Such a love seems hard for us to comprehend.
Now think about how forgiveness looks with the enemies in our lives. It can be hard. Hurt people want to hurt people. But when we think about how our sin hurts God and yet He still forgives us in such an unimaginable way, our forgiveness of others looks a little easier.
May we strive to look at others, even our enemies, through the lens of God and make amends for the sins of others.
