Today’s Reading 2 Samuel 8-12
Focal Scripture: 9:8 “Mephibosheth paid homage and said, What is your servant that you take an interest in a dead dog like me?”
This section of reading is one of the most heart felt but soon turns to one of the most heart wrenching. In today’s main scripture we see how David has a heart to look after Jonathan’s son. He wants to show kindness and show love. He wants to life him up and give him hope.
You can see that Mephibosheth doesn’t believe he is worth the time and effort. He considers himself a dog but David does what is good and provides for him and his family. David reveals his heart for people who are hurting.
Unfortunately, after this event David embarks on a journey that leads to adultery, lies, and then murder. David was a complicated man. On one hand he looked after people when he didn’t have to, on the other he destroyed people because he could. David showed the duplicity of his heart and his character.
This is a warning for all in leadership and if you follow a leader. On one hand the leader may do great things that impress you. They can show kindness, do good deeds and even give what they have away. On the other hand the leader will struggle when they are not held accountable. This will lead to sin and eventually an act to cover that sin up to protect themselves.
If you are a leader it is important to have people around you that are not yes men. David needed that help. He needed someone to challenge him even in his position as King. David got to wrapped up in his power, his ability, and the success. He then thought he could do whatever he wanted. What he needed was someone to hold him accountable. David was a leader who went unchecked and relied on his position instead of his humility.
If you follow a leader it is important to be able to express your thoughts and concerns when you see them. Raising questions or bringing up concern is never a bad practice. Good leaders embrace this because they know it can protect them from failures. Bad leaders shut down conversations and only want things done their way. It is important to know what type of leader you have at work, at home, and in serving opportunities.
Leaders struggle. They do good and they do bad. No leader is perfect and that is not obtainable in any area of life. David is a perfect example. He goes above and beyond to help then he is plotting adultery and murder. Pray for your leaders. Building them up is always more important then tearing them down. I have learned over the years that people who are negative about others will be negative about many things.
Examine your heart and make sure your not a person who has duplicity. Submit your minds and your hearts to God. If David would have followed that example it would have changed everything.
Tomorrow I plan on reading 2 Samuel 13-15
