Bible Pathway - April 18
Read 2 Samuel 19 – 20
Highlights:
Joab (1 Chr. 2:13-16) kills Abner (2 Sam. 3:27), his cousin Absalom (18:14), and his cousin Amasa (20:10; 1 Chr. 2:16-17); He reproves David twice (2 Sam. 19:5-7; 24:1-3); Last revolt from 10 tribes; Kingdom is restored.
And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace (2 Sam. 19:24).
Mephibosheth could have just as easily been celebrating at the calamity that David had been experiencing. David had become the king and sat on the throne that once belonged to his family. Many in his situation would be happy to see David suffer.
Mephibosheth, however, knew that David had shown him kindness. David had honored the bond that he had with Mephibosheth's father, Jonathan. David had provided for him lands and servants (9:10). Therefore, Mephibosheth knew that David was an honorable man.
Because of these things, Mephibosheth had been greatly distressed over what had been going on with David. The fact that David had to flee from his own son, Absalom, concerned him. David had been run off from his proper place as king and this caused Mephibosheth to cause himself to suffer along with David. He had not taken care of his feet, shaved, or washed his clothes since David had been gone.
How many in today's society are that concerned about when things are not working in the will of God? There are probably not as many as there should be. It should concern every believer when something is going against God's law. We should desire His will to be manifest throughout all the world. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:10).
There are many terrible injustices in the world today. Many of them surely grieve the heart. All over the world people live in poverty on the brink of starvation. They don't have clean water to drink nor can they get medical attention that is greatly needed.
Our brothers and sisters in Christ are persecuted and even murdered for their stand for the cross. We should be praying for them every day. We are joined with them by the blood of Christ. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body (Heb. 13:3).
We should strive to remember this is a big world. It is easy sometimes to become preoccupied with our small section of it. Right now as we speak, there is great suffering all over. Someone is going hungry when there is an abundance of food. Someone is lonely when there are so many that could use a friend. Someone is standing alone for Christ when there are a multitude of believers. The trouble is that those that could help often don't have the burden to help. Jesus gave a message that should still ring in our ears today.
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me (Matthew 25:40).
Thought for Today:
When times of distress come, God is our refuge and strength.
Christ Revealed:
By David, who wished to be invited back as king (2 Sam. 19:11). Our Lord Jesus wants to be invited into the hearts of all mankind. He comes in only by our invitation. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him (enjoy sweet fellowship together) and he with Me (Rev. 3:20).
Word Studies:
19:14 bowed, swayed; 20:3 ward, guarded house; 20:18 were wont to speak, used to say.
Prayer Suggestion: Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up (James 4:10).
Optional Reading: Acts 19
Memory Verse for the Week: John 11:26
