Where Are His Relatives?

O. T. #677 "Where Are His Relatives?"
January 18, 2016
2 Samuel 4-Part 2
One day David asked, "Is there anyone in Saul's family still alive...  2 Samuel 9:1

LET IT GLOW

Friends, I just read that Google is requiring my readers to have a Google account in order to read my postings. I am sorry for this. I wondered why my reading count had diminished lately as well as my having difficulty getting onto the site where I write these posts. It saddens me to think fewer folks will be reading the Word of God with me or find it by accident and still get to read it. Anyway, here we go.

Since Ishbosheth, King Saul's son, has died, the only heir to the throne for Israel was Jonathan's son Mephibosheth.  His original name is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 8:34 as Merib-Baal, which was derived from the idol Baal. Samuel changed his name to Mephibosheth, which means "He Strikes Down Shame." Mep was not a candidate to inherit the throne since he was crippled and a child. Once Ishbosheth was gone, there was no real threat to David's kingship. (D. Jeremiah)

Mephibosheth would have been only 12 years old when Ishbosheth died.
What caused him to be crippled in life?
When Mep was only 5 years old when word came about the death of Saul and Jonathan in the battle with the Philistines. When Mep's nurse heard this news, she picked up the boy and fled. However, in her haste, she dropped him and he became crippled.

Are we careful in our interactions with new Christians? We could end up crippling them spiritually in what we say.

LET IT GROW

We find out more of the story in chapter 9:

• David is king and he inquires about any relatives of Saul's. One of David's servants knew a servant from Saul's family.
• David sent for Ziba, the servant.
• He asked if there was anyone left in Saul's family to whom he could show kindness.
• David was told about Jonathan's son who was crippled in both feet.

We will wait to see how David showed kindness to Mephibosheth when we get to chapters 9, 16, and 19.

Do we seek ways to show kindness to others? Especially to those with whom we do not get along well? Those are the ones we especially need to show the love of Jesus. Do we consider that Christians are all relatives in God's family? How are we treating our relatives?

LET IT GO

                               ...and let God love others through me.

                                ...and forgive those who hurt me.