Blessed To Be A Blessing

2 Samuel 9:1-13

Now that David has become ruler over all of Israel and conquered the Philistines, he wants to move the Ark of the Covenant to Zion. The initial attempt was done irreverently and one of the escorts, Uzzah, was killed because of it. So it was temporarily moved to the home of Obed-edom. Well, God blessed him and his family while it was there because they knew how to care for it.

When David saw that, he proceeded to take the Ark to the City of David the right way. He was so excited, that he made a spectacle of himself, dancing before the Lord along the way. His wife, Michal, was embarrassed by that and became angry with David. But, David defended his behavior and Michal became barren and remained childless.

Once the Ark arrived in the city, David realized that there was no permanent home for it, like his own cedar palace. So, he decided to have one built, with the blessing of the prophet, Nathan. But God spoke to Nathan and told him that David was not the one to do it. He told him to tell David to leave that up to the royal descendants he was going to raise up as a dynasty that would never end. David was overjoyed and he prayed and thanked God for his promise.

So, David continued to rule Israel, defeating all his enemies and doing what was just and right in the sight of the Lord. Things were going so well for him, he felt it was time to fulfill a promise made to his good friend Jonathan and bless his family. There was one living descendant, Jonathan's son Mephibosheth. So, David sent for him and had one of Saul's former servants, Ziba, bring him from Lo-debar.

When Mephibosheth arrived, David told him he was giving him all of his father's property and inviting him to eat at his table for the rest of his life. He even made Ziba and his family Mephibosheth's servants. Well, obviously, he was overcome with excitement and thanked David profusely for his kindness. So, instead of being killed, as he initially feared when David sent for him, he was abundantly blessed, and he and his young son, Mica, lived prosperously in Jerusalem and ate at the king's table for the rest of their lives.

When we make a promise to anyone, for any reason, we are expected to keep it; regardless of how things change or how much time passes. Also, when God gives us blessings, they are intended to be used for the building of his kingdom. We are not to just sit on them and hoard them for ourselves. David's act of kindness toward Mephibosheth and his family was the perfect execution of both of these principles. Jonathan, the one he promised, was now dead. He could have easily shirked his obligation, but he didn't. He did what he said he would do, and did so cheerfully and in great measure.

Lord, thank you for continually blessing us and keeping us upright before you. Thank you for providing for us and allowing us to be able to bless others. Please give us kinder, more generous, spirits so that we can continue to bless those around us; making room in our hearts to receive even more from you. Let us be cheerful in our giving, quick in our forgiveness and diligent in our obedience to you. We love you, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.