“And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely show thee kindness”
Church is supposed to be a place of peace and joy. It is where we find comfort and strength. But, that night it was anything but a place of harmony and peace. A dispute had arisen among the people and when it could not be resolved tempers flared. Words were spoken that were unkind and hurtful. Now the harmony of the fellowship was spoiled. The two factions were at odds with one another and no one knew quite what to do.
In II Samuel 9 King David was establishing his rule over Israel in Jerusalem. There we read the beautiful story of David’s showing “the kindness of God” (vs.3) to a crippled man named Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth was the only son of King Saul’s son, Jonathan. Because of his love for Jonathan, David wanted to show kindness to his family. Because Mephibosheth was the grandson of King Saul, however, he was an heir to Saul’s throne. He could have posed a threat to David. In Israel at that time there were many who were still loyal to Saul and saw David as a usurper. In this act of kindness, however, David began the mending of the rift in Israel between Saul’s supporters and those who followed him. David’s extending “the kindness of God” to Mephibosheth was an act of reconciliation. This story is a beautiful picture of the Lord Jesus, extending grace and mercy to sinful men. Later Jesus’ sacrifice for mankind would be an act that would reconcile man to Himself. (Romans 5:10) It took time but David established his kingdom in peace, and it began with this act of kindness and reconciliation.
The pastor of the church realized the extreme danger that the church was in. After prayer he met with those who were the most vocal on both sides of the rift. After more prayer and discussion they agreed that the dispute was not worth destroying the church over. They sought reconciliation. The pastor’s kindness to both sides began the healing.
“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled.” (Colossians 1:21) We were the enemies of God. Yet, by His act of kindness on the cross He reconciled us to Himself. If this is so, should we not also seek to be reconciled to our brethren? He “hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” (II Corinthians 5:19b) David brought reconciliation when he said to Mephibosheth, “Fear not: for I will surely show thee kindness.” When you find division, fear not to show kindness.
Fear not to be Reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
