DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 2018 UNCOMMON KINDNESS TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 9:1-13

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL

SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 2018

UNCOMMON KINDNESS

TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 9:1-13

Key Verse: “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)_

In life, God do visit people at the times they least expected. The Bible is replete with instances of spontaneous miracles and deliverances to catalogues of those who had been in abject poverty and under the bondage of Satan such as blind Bartimaeus, the man by the pool of Bethesda, Zacchaeus – a public sinner by virtue of his profession, and Mordecai – a gatekeeper who got his status reviewed that very night when King Ahasuerus was so troubled in his spirit that he could not sleep.

Mephibosheth, being lame in his two legs, was an unknown entity despite the fact that he came from King Saul’s lineage. He was so wretched that no one would ever imagine that King David would lose sleep over him. David had determined to reward Jonathan, his bosom friend. Unknown to him, Jonathan had a successor, Mephibosheth, who was living with one Machir in a place called Lodebar – an apparently obscure community. So, he was sent for and the story of his life changed dramatically. For those who believe, the blessings of God can come in the blink of an eye.

Testimonies abound of people who climbed from the valley to the mountain, who moved from rags to riches and people whose health was restored at the point when all hope appeared lost. As children of God, we must, like David, remember those who had contributed to our success in life.

You may be so down now that no one reckons with you; your dwelling place may be so obscure just like the sleepy community called Lodebar. Yet, God is still on the throne; He will remember His own. No matter your situation today, never stop believing; keep trusting Him.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God is He who leapfrogs from the dunghill to the pinnacle of power.

COVER to COVER: 1 SAMUEL 1-3

PONDER:
1. 2 Sam 9:1-3. David was faithful to the covenant he made with Jonathan I Sam 20:15-17. No wonder God was faithful to His covenant with David Psalm 89: 34-35.
2. The text is an illustration of NT grace:
a. David showed mercy on Mephisbosheth because of Jonathan v1. God shows mercy on the repentant sinnes because of Jesus. We don't merit it.
b. He was in Lodebar (which means no communication) v4. Sinners are cut off from God before mercy located him/her.
c. The change was from servanthood to sonship with all the privileges v7. The same with believers as God's children.
d. The transformation was immediate as soon as he responded. Sinners also receive immediate transformation as soon as they respond to the gospel.
e. A leper was not fit for the palace but the mercy of Christ qualifies the repentant for heaven.

HYMN: Grace greater than our sins (GHS 129)

1. Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,
yonder on Calvary's mount out-poured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Refrain:
Grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that is greater than all our sin.

2 Dark is the stain that we cannot hide,
what can avail to wash it away!
Look! there is flowing a crimson tide;
whiter than snow you may be today.
[Refrain]

3 Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
freely bestowed on all who believe;
you that are longing to see his face,
will you this moment his grace receive? [Refrain]

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Thank God for the marvelous grace of Jesus that transforms from wretched sinner to sons of God. If you are not saved, ask for the free salvation on Christ merit.
2. Pray that the mercy of God will locate you and turn your life and fortune around.
3. Pray that God will connect you to a helper of your destiny and disconnect you from the liability friendly foe on your journey.
4. Ask for the abundant manifestations of the blessings of sonship of God on all believers in your church.