Today's daily devotion

Family Complications

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 KJV

Like people today, Old Testament characters struggled in family relationships. David’s wife Michal turned against him. Her father, King Saul, hunted David like an animal, though the younger man ultimately triumphed and was crowned king.

Most rulers executed their opponents—and their families. But King David, in a major risk-taking move, not only returned Saul’s estate to his grandson Mephibosheth but also offered him financial support and a place at the king’s table.

David’s advisors probably thought him crazy. That is, unless they knew Mephibosheth’s father, Jonathan. In the midst of family turmoil, he and David were fast friends. Jonathan even offered to step down as Saul’s heir and support David’s kingship. When his father threatened to kill David, Jonathan risked his own life by defending his friend. Later Jonathan died with Saul on the battlefield.

David’s love for his late friend extended to Jonathan’s children. When he summoned Mephibosheth, the terrified man probably thought that David was planning to kill him. Instead, the king treated Mephibosheth like a son, welcoming him with open arms.

In our own difficult family situations, loyalty and kindness may also seem an unwise response. But God wants our actions to always reflect His readiness to bless amid heartache and hurt.