June 17, 2002
LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for June 30
Treat others with justice and righteousness
___ 2 Samuel 8:15; 9:1-10
___By Roy Cotton
___BGCT DFW/Metroplex Church Starting Center Consultant
___There is a bumper sticker that reads "Practice random acts of kindness every day." Have you ever imagined how one simple act of kindness could significantly change a person for a lifetime? My life has been abundantly blessed by the kindnesses of many individuals who were used by Christ more than they will ever know.
___One example took place when I was 16 years old. Omar Harvey, a layman, Sunday School teacher and deacon in the Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, modeled Christ by offering me a job at IBM Corp. He met me shining shoes in a North Dallas barbershop. But the love of Christ shined through his actions.
___The kindness takes on greater significance, considering the race riots that were occurring at the time, in Los Angeles, Chicago and other cities. He looked beyond my color, age and status. He offered me the best he had to give--an opportunity to work as I completed the junior and senior years of high school and pursued a college education. Later, through his influence, I was blessed with a scholarship from his Sunday School class for the first year of seminary.
___Today's lesson challenges Christians to show the love of Christ in simple acts of kindness. We may be the only Bible some people ever read. The key verse states King David wanted to do "what was just and right for all his people" (v. 15). Robert Bergen suggests, "Justice and righteousness were primary attributes of the Lord's character."
___King David sought information on any survivors of the house of Saul. When he was told Jonathan's son was the last survivor, he wasted no time in sending for the young man. David's kindness was sincere. He had been a recipient of the kindness and grace of God. It was his desire to show kindness to Saul's family.
___Using power properly
___The key verse tells of the kind of ruler David was: "David reigned over all Israel" (v. 15). There was no difference in his actions to the house of Judah and the house of Israel. He treated all the people with justice and righteousness. These two words are usually paired with each other in Scripture. Someone has suggested you cannot have justice without righteousness. The reverse is true also. The word "justice" has legal implications. The king was commanded to judge fairly and without partiality. Righteousness is a virtue. It is rightness in our human and divine relationships. This is only possible with God. We must depend on him for justice and righteousness.
___David administered justice and righteousness. The Lord was pleased with him. He was "a man after God's own heart." These two virtues characterize people who please God (Psalm 106:3). Whose life can you touch by your justice and righteousness?
___Planning graciously
___David's inquiries about Saul's survivors shows his attitude was sincere. It would have been the normal practice for him to have just gone about his business without seeking to "show kindness" to the former king's family. But David had sworn an oath to Jonathan that he would do this very thing (1 Samuel 20:42).
___Jonathan had shown true friendship to David. He was unselfish in his actions to David. Realizing David would be the next king, Jonathan did not work against David nor stand in his way.
___David kept his promise. By seeking a descendant of Saul, he also was keeping his word to Saul that he would not cut off his descendants or wipe out his name (1 Samuel 24:20-22). Saul had done all in his power to destroy David, yet he asked for mercy as he saw the day coming David would succeed him as king of Israel.
___Acting generously
___David was motivated by his love for Jonathan. After sending for Mephibosheth, he reassured him his intentions were honorable. He had heard about how Mephibosheth became crippled when he was five years old. His nurse, upon hearing the news of the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, hurriedly picked him up, but fell carrying him to safety (2 Samuel 4:4).
___The Bible does not indicate that David was moved by his condition. Many times people act only out of sympathy. David's actions were motivated by compassion stronger than sympathy. He remembered this young man's father, his kindness and the promise he had given.
___The kindness of David was expressed in desire to restore to Mephibosheth the land of his grandfather, Saul. David also gave him a permanent seat at the king's table (v. 10). Mephibosheth could not imagine how the king would show kindness to a "dead dog" (v. 8). David showed the goodness of God.
___Follow David's example and show kindness. God used Omar Harvey. He can use you to touch someone's life. Raymond Rasberry's lyrics are: "Touch somebody's life with your goodness. Touch somebody's life with your love. Touch somebody's life with understanding, for that's the only way to show our Father's love. Touch somebody's life as you pass them. You may never pass that close again. It's not far, reach out in love and touch somebody. You'll be surprised how soon that same touch comes back to you."
___Questions for discussion
___ Think about the people who have significantly impacted your life. Can you imagine where you would be today if they had not touched your life?
___ What are some ways God can use you to touch another person's life?
The Baptist Standard
News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.
Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!/ Signup for FirstLook
|