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David had made a promise to Jonathan, and David was a man of his word. So as he was reflecting back on Saul’s family, David remembered his oath of friendship to Jonathan and desired to follow through with what he had pledged.
2 Samuel 9 says that David wanted to “show kindness as I promised God that I would.” This takes us back to 1 Samuel 20 when David was on the run from Saul. David’s choice of wording is interesting because even though the promise was made to Jonathan, David views God as the One he is accountable to. He will fulfill that promise because it was made to Jonathan, but more importantly because it was vowed before the Living God. David didn’t have to do this, but again, he was a man of his word.
What would follow is an act of incredible act of mercy that was unheard of in that culture. Although Mephibosheth was crippled, it was common for a new king to completely wipe out the previous king’s family. This was done to eliminate any threat of mutiny against the new regime. David went against the grain of culture because he was a man of integrity.
Mephibosheth is shocked. He doesn’t understand why David would want to be so good to him…
Mephibosheth bowed again and said, “I am no better than a dead dog, sir! Why should you be so good to me?”
-2 Samuel 9:8 GNB
Is this not the reaction that the church should be seeing from the world? By initiating this deep level of mercy, David was foreshadowing the Kingdom of heaven. His act embodied the rebellious DNA of King Jesus. Instead of conquering those who have wronged you, love them. Instead of seeking revenge, seek reconciliation. Instead of living at war with others, seek to live in peace.
So, again I ask. Is this not the reaction the church should be seeing from the world? Are the people around you shocked at the mercy you extend? Do the people who have wronged you experience the extension of grace that was given to you by God?