When David became King of Judah, he commended some courageous men who were loyal subjects of King Saul. They had marched through enemy territory to claim the bodies of Saul and his sons, who had been killed in battle where they were defeated by the Philistines. The enemy had abused the bodies, impaling them on a wall. But, the men of Jabesh came under the cover of darkness and recovered them. They took them back to their towns and gave them a burial. Their mission had been dangerous but successful.
When David heard what they had done, he sent messengers to them
saying: “The Lord bless you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by
burying him” (2 Samuel 2:5). Then he prayed for them: “May the Lord now
show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor
because you have done this. Now then, be strong and brave, for Saul your master
is dead, and the people of Judah have anointed me king over them”(2 Samuel
2:5-6).
They likely never expected a commendation from David, whom King
Saul considered his enemy. David, however, never considered Saul his enemy. He
was moved by their bravery and the respect and honor they showed to Saul and
especially his beloved friend Jonathan, so he asked God to show them kindness
and faithfulness.
David, however, went further. He not only asked God to bless
them, but he said he would also do the same: “And I too will show you the same
favor because you have done this.” David said he would be part of the answer to
his own prayer. He would be the one who God would work through to bless them.
It is a wonderful thought to think that we can be part of the
answer to our own prayers. God wants to use us to bless others and show them
kindness. First, David prayed a wonderful prayer but also asserted that he
wanted to be part of the answer.
Many find it shocking to think that they could be part of the
answer to their prayers. What can happen when we see ourselves as vessels that
God can pour his Spirit into and bless others is amazing.
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