Two Brothers Building up the Body

Chapter 9 of 2 Samuel presents an extraordinary episode in the life of King David. It is about his encounter with Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul. What David does in this passage is so admirable, so wonderful and, from the human point of view, so unexpected that it deserves deep reflection. Through this act of kindness, the depth of the covenant of friendship between David and Jonathan is revealed, as well as a powerful picture of God’s character. There are three points about grace that should be noted here: Fulfilling Grace Generous Grace Compassionate Grace Fulfilling Grace Recall that David and Jonathan made a solemn covenant in 1 Samuel 18 and renewed it in chapter 20. This agreement was not driven by political interests, necessity, or obligation. It was an alliance based on love, respect, and mutual honor. As we consider how God works in our lives, it is essential to remember that He always keeps His promises. Mephibosheth remained in exile for over 7 y...

 Today we’re beginning in the book of Philippians. I’ve been feeling the need to be reminded of the joy of the Lord, and in this letter, Paul reminds the Philippian believers that joy is possible despite circumstances, people, or worries. Today we'll focus on the first eleven verses. Paul writes: Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you ...

Read 1 Samuel 27 When the Enemy Looks Safer than Faithfulness Upon reading the first two verses, it appears that David is really in a hard place. It would seem that Saul is persuing him so hard that David has no other refuge but in the land of the Philistines. Certainly, not the most desireable place, being the land of one of the enemies of Israel, but there is no place left for him. At least, that is how David tells the story. A Past Deliverance, A Present Doubt We should backup and review what happened in the previous chapter. Here we find David being hunted by Saul - the second time! When Saul’s army camps for the night, even the guards fall asleep. David and his captain sneak into the camp and approach an undefended, sleeping Saul. Instead of killing him right there, David takes Saul’s spear and jug of water and returns to a safe place. David reveals his opportunity and Saul, acknowledges David’s mercy and leaves off from pursuing David anymore. David is not only free from being p...

 We now come to the final section of Paul’s letter to Philemon: “If then you regard me a partner, accept him as you would me. But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account; I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand, I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me even your own self as well). Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say. At the same time also prepare me a lodging, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given to you. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” Slaves made up about a third of the Roman Empire's population. Onesimus had escaped from Colossae and likely traveled to Rome in hopes of losing himself among the slave population. Whi...

Spiritual, Emotional, and Practical Bonds among Godly Men In the previous article , the focus was on the power of prayer through the example of Hannah, a humble and sincere woman whose petitions moved the heart of God. This time the attention shifts to the example of men in the Scriptures—particularly the bond between David and Jonathan, as recorded in 1 Samuel 18. Their relationship provides a biblical model for how men can form spiritual, emotional, and practical bonds for the glory of God and the good of His people. 1. Knit Together: A Spiritual Bond (1 Samuel 18:1–2) The account in 1 Samuel 17—the battle between David and Goliath—sets the stage. While this story is often associated with trusting God against the giants of life, deeper truths lie beneath the surface. When read with mature spiritual insight, one can see David as a type of Christ. Just as David defeats Goliath with effortless authority, so does Christ defeat His enemies (see Revelation 19). The so-called “battle” ...