Why is it important to remember and honor past commitments, as David did? Setting the Scene 2 Samuel 9:7 sets the tone: “Do not be afraid,” David said, “I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan’s sake.” David reaches back to a promise made decades earlier (1 Samuel 20:14-17, 42) and keeps it by lifting up Jonathan’s disabled son, Mephibosheth. What David’s Example Teaches Us • Commitments are lifelong, not seasonal • Past promises shape present priorities • Kindness shown to others often honors someone absent (Jonathan) • Faithfulness is visible—Mephibosheth sat at the royal table for life (v. 13) Why God Cares About Kept Promises • God’s own character: “Know…the LORD…keeps covenant…to a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7:9) • Integrity reflects His image: “He…keeps an oath even when it hurts” (Psalm 15:4) • Delayed vows displease Him: “When you make a vow…do not delay in fulfilling it” (Ec 5:4) • Jesus affirms simplicity and honesty: “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’” (Matthew 5:37) Blessings That Flow From Honoring Commitments 1. Builds trust—people learn they can rely on you 2. Protects the vulnerable—Mephibosheth gained security and provision 3. Displays covenant love (ḥesed)—a tangible gospel preview 4. Invites God’s favor—faithfulness aligns us with His heart 5. Strengthens community—kept promises knit relationships together Practical Ways to Live This Out Today • Review promises you’ve made (marriage, church, work, debts, friendships) • Address neglected commitments—apologize, restore, make amends • Put reminders in calendars; treat promises like appointments with God • Speak carefully—fewer words, stronger follow-through (Proverbs 20:6) • Model it for children—explain why keeping your word matters • Celebrate visible examples—share stories of faithfulness that inspire others Kept Promises Point Us to Christ • Jesus embodies faithful love: “All the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ” (2 Colossians 1:20) • The New Covenant fulfills every shadow of David’s grace to Mephibosheth • Our reliability becomes a living witness to His unbreakable word |
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