DCLM Daily Manna Saturday 8 April 2023
TOPIC: Kindness Returned
TEXT: 2 Samuel 9:1-13 (KJV)
KEY VERSE
“And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.”
(2 Samuel 9:7)
DCLM Daily Manna Saturday 8 April 2023 MESSAGE
As the American Civil War concluded, General Grant, the victorious Union Commander, showed great kindness and respect toward the chief general of the confederates. He allowed General Robert E. Lee to ride freely in and out of the area. Grant gave them food because they were hungry and let them all go home undisturbed. Lee was permanently touched by Grant’s kindness. After the war, Lee became the president of Washington College in Virginia.
On one occasion, one of his fellow instructors began to speak poorly of Grant to Lee (assuming he would receive a sympathetic audience). Lee turned, looked at the man straight in the eye, and said, “Sir, if you ever again presume to speak disrespectfully of General Grant in my presence, either you or I will sever his connection with this university”. Because General Lee had received such kindness from Grant, he treasured and protected his good name.
In this story, King David remembered the kindness of his late friend, Jonathan, Saul’s son. Jonathan once gave David his own armour, and protected him against the madness of his father who sought to kill him (1 Samuel 18:4). Now it was time to return that favour. David sent for Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son (who was lame), and made him eat with him at the king’s table. He also restored Saul’s estate to him.
One good turn deserves another. The good we do to our fellow men today is investment that we or our children will reap tomorrow. That is why we must be careful how we treat people who are weak and powerless today. If we treat them well, they will never forget our deeds. But whether they repay us or not the Scripture enjoins us to do good to all men, especially those of the household of faith.
The change we bring about in other people’s lives through our kindness will help convince others to come to Christ and be saved.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Our Master went about doing good and expect nothing less from us.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 1-2
