Issue #144, December 10, 2014
Kings are usually known for their acts of bravery and courage, the pomp and splendor of their wealth, and their use or abuse of their absolute authority. But the story of David’s relationship with Mephibosheth paints an amazing story of a king leading with kindness. The account in 2 Samuel 9 is one of the most remarkable leadership stories in scripture. Mephibosheth was the crippled son of Jonathan, the grandson of King Saul. David, in an amazing picture of kindness, brings this cripple to live in the palace and daily eat at his own table with his own sons. What does David’s life teach servant leaders about kindness?
Kindness is purposeful.
David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”(2 Samuel 9:1). David’s act was deliberate; he was not responding to a need brought to his attention. Instead, he looked for someone to receive kindness! Kindness, especially for those in power, is not an automatic response. Leaders naturally look for those who are strong and who can help fulfill their vision, but David looked for someone in need of kindness. He wanted to honor his friendship with Jonathan who was now dead. Saul’s family had been wiped out in the battles, which brought David to the throne. He didn’t even know if he would find any survivors and certainly didn’t expect to find a lame man. But he took the initiative to look. Servant leaders create opportunities to show kindness to others.
Kindness is personal.
So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons (2 Samuel 9:11). David’s kindness to Mephibosheth was intensely personal. His motive was to express kindness to someone from his dear friend Jonathan’s family who was now on the outside of the circle of power. Not only was his motive personal, David’s actions were very personal. He literally brought Mephibosheth into his own private space and treated him as one of his own sons. David could easily have given Mephibosheth a one-time gift and sent him away, but he did far more than that. Mephibosheth felt like an outcast and saw himself as “a dead dog.” David’s kindness to Mephibosheth was more than a handout; it restored dignity and purpose to his life. He ate with the king! Servant leaders recognize that kindness is about relationships with real people. Kindness brings people into the leaders circle and values even those who cannot contribute to the vision.
Kindness is costly.
And Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table; he was lame in both feet (2 Samuel 9:13). This act of kindness was costly to David in many ways. Although David enjoyed great wealth, this act of kindness was quite costly. He gave away all of Saul’s land, he provided a home for Mephibosheth in Jerusalem, and fed him daily! But this act cost David more than money. He took a risk to bring into the palace an heir to Saul’s throne and a former enemy of the nation who was not from the ruling tribe. His security guards were likely not pleased to have this man at the King’s table! Others may have whispered quietly that having a cripple at the table was another act far below the dignity of a king. Whatever the cost, David showed kindness and demonstrates to servant leaders that power does not need to rob us of our capacity to show love to the weak.
David’s kindness to Mephibosheth is a beautiful picture of what God has done to each of us: accepting us in our weakness and bringing us to His table as sons and daughters. Servant leaders receive this with gratitude and pass it on to others, especially to those who are weak.
For further reflection and discussion:
Read the entire story of David and Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9 and then reflect on the following questions.
- What does it mean for me to be purposeful in expressing kindness?
- How do I view people who are considered ‘weak’ in my community, the poor, the physically disabled, the uneducated, those with no voice? How might God want me to use my leadership to reach out in kindness?
- Do I sometimes express kindness from a distance, like giving money to a cause instead of getting personally involved? If so, how is God inviting me to be personal in my kindness?
- What price am I willing to pay for an act of kindness? What does this reveal about my heart and what is God inviting me to do in response?