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
I recently heard a thought that if we all responded and did what Jesus calls us to do, it wouldn’t be necessary for governments of this world to provide services to the unfortunate.
The love, mercy, and generosity King David demonstrated to Mephibosheth was a selfless act. He not only gave Mephibosheth a seat at his table but also gave him everything that belonged to Saul. By birthright, Mephibosheth would have previously been entitled to that. However, due to Saul’s death and King David’s place on the throne, inheritance was not an option.
Money and possessions were worshipped in kingdoms in those days (not unlike today). It would be a sacrifice for David to hand over possessions and status, especially to an enemy or lowly person. Not only that, there were political ramifications. Despite that, David knew he answered to a higher power and took seriously what God desired, to show compassion to others.
What would it look like if we gave the way David did? If we looked past the sacrifice, and instead looked at the blessing. Generosity is an act of faith. It is saying, I really do not need that or I am not too busy. It is the desire to build our character to be more like Jesus.
Most of us will enter the New Year with resolutions to lose weight and exercise more – it is the common theme after all. This year let’s break from what is common and challenge ourselves to not only strengthen our bodies, but also our character!
