The Gracious Messiah

2 Samuel 1:1-2:11; Psalm 118:19-29; Proverbs 15:27-28

 

Saul was David’s enemy. But they had something very important in common. They were both messiahs – the LORD’s anointed ones.

 

So when Saul was killed in battle, David did not rejoice over him. He did not take the opportunity to search out all the people who had supported Saul and fulfill some desire for revenge against Saul by punishing them or threatening them. Instead, he honored those who honored Saul. Why? Because Saul had been the LORD’s anointed king.

 

The men of Jabesh Gilead, after the Philistines killed Saul and took his body into Philistine land to celebrate, showed kindness to Saul even after his death. They formed a raiding party, snuck down into Philistine territory, and brought Saul’s body back to Israel for an honorable burial. David could have taken their allegiance to Saul as a sign that they would not be faithful to him. After all, Saul had been against David throughout the end of his life.

 

But this is how David responded to the men of Jabesh Gilead:

When David was told that it was the men of Jabesh Gilead who had buried Saul, he sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead to say to them, "The LORD bless you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him. 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 house of Judah has anointed me king over them." – 2 Samuel 2:4b-7

 

God’s anointed one blesses those who honor God’s anointed one, even if they honor him in death. This is how David saw things. He treated the men of Jabesh Gilead as if they had been faithful to him, not because he had directly benefited from their kindness but because he counted their kindness to one of God’s anointed ones as kindness to all God’s anointed ones, including him. Because God lives forever, He is always able to establish a Messiah. In this case, there were two successive messiahs – first Saul, then David. But now we have a Messiah who is actually God Himself – the King Jesus Christ.

 

He is even more gracious than David. David graciously loved men who had loved another of God’s anointed ones. But Jesus loves men who have rebelled against God and His Anointed One. He allows them to repent of their rebellion. He died on a cross, but Jesus was raised from the dead and lives forever to bless those who love their Messiah. Let’s be among those who faithfully love God’s Messiah. He will graciously care for us forever.

 

Father, thank You that Your Anointed One, Jesus Christ, is willing to receive us. He does not take vengeance on us for the times we did not serve Him, but instead offers us a chance to pledge allegiance to Him. And those who are His receive His blessings, including eternal life with You. You are so good. Thank You for giving us such a gracious Messiah.