King David, (a shepherd of sheep before God called him to shepherd His people Israel,) desired greatly to show the kindness of God to the remnant of the house of Saul. Having made an inquiry, he sent for, and extended great mercy to Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, the son of Saul. As Mephibosheth, (who was lame in both his feet,) fell on his face, and prostrated himself before David in fear, David assured him with these words: "Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather, and you shall eat bread at my table continually." David also instructed Ziba, a servant of the house of Saul to work the land with his (Ziba's) sons, and servants, and bring in the harvest on behalf of Mephibosheth."
(See 2 Samuel Chapter 9)
How much more did our gracious, and merciful God do for us, when He sent His only begotten Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant, and restores us to right standing before God. "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes. Praise God who has redeemed us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and made us partakers of His divine nature, and all that He has prepared for us now, and in the life to come, everlasting. He has given His church the ministry of reconciliation. O, how He loves the world, and is willing that none shall perish.
Jesus, upon seeing the multitudes weary, and scattered abroad, like sheep without a shepherd, was moved with compassion, and said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." (See Matthew 9:36-38)
The heart of our Great Shepherd is loving and forgiving, full of mercy and compassion, full of kindness and truth. A heart that judges righteously; a heart that wants His lost sheep to come home; a heart that wants both the young and grown sheep tended to, and fed with His teachings. A heart that desires the reaping of His harvest to be done, and His house to be filled. (See
Characteristics of a Good Shepherd)
Related Bible Readings: Psalm 23; Psalm 78:70-72; Isaiah 40:10-11; Isaiah Chapter 61; Ezekiel 34; Micah 5:4-5; John 3:16 & 17; John 4:34-38; John 10:1-18; John 10:25-27; John 21:15-17; Matthew 10; Matthew 24:14; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 14:16-24; Romans 1:16; Romans 10:17; The First and Second Epistles of Paul the Apostle to Timothy; Hebrews 13:20 & 21; 1 Peter Chapter 5
- A Walk In The Garden Devotions
