David: The kindness of a man after God’s own heart

2022-10-16

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

1. Despite the attacks by Saul, David was willing to forgive

1 Samuel 24:20-22 (CSB) Now I know for certain you will be king, and the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hand. 21 Therefore swear to me by the Lord that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s family.” 22 So David swore to Saul. Then Saul went back home, and David and his men went up to the stronghold.

  • 11-12 times during a four-year period, Saul tried to kill David yet David forgave
  • In Matthew 18, Jesus says forgive “seventy times seven”

2. David would not celebrate when his enemy fell

2 Samuel 1:11-16 Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them, and all the men with him did the same. 12 They mourned, wept, and fasted until the evening for those who died by the sword—for Saul, his son Jonathan, the Lord’s people, and the house of Israel. 13 David inquired of the young man who had brought him the report, “Where are you from?” “I’m the son of a resident alien,” he said. “I’m an Amalekite.” 14 David questioned him, “How is it that you were not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” 15 Then David summoned one of his servants and said, “Come here and kill him!” The servant struck him, and he died. 16 For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood is on your own head because your own mouth testified against you by saying, ‘I killed the Lord’s anointed.’”

  • A natural response would have been to rejoice over Saul’s death, yet David grieved

Proverbs 24:17-18 Don’t gloat when your enemy falls, and don’t let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, 18 or the Lord will see, be displeased, and turn his wrath away from him.

 

3. David was willing to honor his promise and extend kindness to the hurting

2 Samuel 9:3-8 So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family that I can show the kindness of God to?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still Jonathan’s son who was injured in both feet.” 4 The king asked him, “Where is he?” Ziba answered the king, “You’ll find him in Lo-debar at the house of Machir son of Ammiel.” 5 So King David had him brought from the house of Machir son of Ammiel in Lo-debar. 6 Mephibosheth son of Jonathan son of Saul came to David, fell facedown, and paid homage. David said, “Mephibosheth!” “I am your servant,” he replied. 7 “Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “since I intend to show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all your grandfather Saul’s fields, and you will always eat meals at my table.” 8 Mephibosheth paid homage and said, “What is your servant that you take an interest in a dead dog like me?”

  • David didn’t just grieve over the death of Saul, he later sought to bless Saul’s family
  • This is an example of grace and mercy
  • It’s a picture of how God treats us

Application

  1. We will all face attacks in this life, the heart of God calls for forgiveness
  2. Don’t seek the destruction of your enemy, seek the transformation of your enemy
  3. Never lose sight of how God showed grace to you when you’re considering how to deal with those who’ve hurt you

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