PSALM 15

KINDNESS IS EVERYTHING

 

A Psalm of David

               ¹ Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?

² He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart.

³ He who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor,

Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend—.

⁴ In whose eyes a vile person is despised, but he honors those who fear the Lord--

He who swears to his own hurt and does not change,

⁵ He who does not put out his money at usury, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.  He who does these things shall never be moved.
 

 “Love and mercy”  or “loving-kindness” along with justice are needed  if they were to walk before God.  Both justice and mercy are foundational to God’s character.  God expects His people to show love to their fellow man and to be loyal in their love toward Him, just as He had been loyal to them..

King David's life was an example of this kind of love.

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David’s Kindness to Mephibosheth—Jonathan's Son.

David never forgot his love for best friend Jonathan. Their's was a friendship as deep as life itself. David was thinking about Jonathan one day and wondered if there was  anyone left form Saul’s family, whom he might show mercy for Jonathan’s sake.  He found out Jonathan had a son still alive, and learned of his being lame in the feet. His name was Mephibosheth. David sent for him.

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He was afraid of David.  But he assured him he had nothing but kindness for him. He promised to restore to him all of the land that  belonged to Saul back to him, Mephibosheth would always be a guest at David’s table. Love will continue in spite of all circumstances.  Through Jonathon's son, David found a way to honor God through the house of Saul.

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What a beautiful picture this represents for us … and suddenly we are taken from our helpless state and brought into the household of the Lord.  We are made rich in Jesus, and through Him have direct access to the King of kings. How great and wonderful is this kindness?   We can have the kindness of God, in whom David represents!

• FIRST, "Be followers ["imitators"] of God, as his children--and walk in love" (Eph 5:1-2). "Put on, as the elect of God, holy and beloved affections of mercies, and kindness" (Col 3:12).  As it was with David: "Your loving-kindness is before my eyes: and I have walked in your truth" (Psalm 26:3).

• SECOND, a sense of this divine perfection strengthens faith and promotes confidence in God.
• THIRD, it should stimulate the spirit of worship: "Because your loving-kindness is better than life--my lips shall praise you" (Psalm 63:3,  Psalm 117).
• FOURTH, it should be our help in times when depressed: "May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant." (Psalm 119:76).
• FIFTH, it should be made our prayer: "Quicken me, O LORD, according to your loving-kindness" (Psalm 119:159). David applied to that divine attribute for new strength and increased vigor.
• SIXTH, it should be appealed to when we have fallen by the wayside: "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your loving-kindness" (Psalm 51:1): deal with me according to the gentlest of Your attributes, make my case an exemplification of Your tenderness.
• SEVENTH, it should be our petition in our devotions: "Cause me to hear your loving-kindness in the morning" (Psalm 143:8): arouse me with my soul in tune therewith, let my waking thoughts be of Your goodness!

GOD IS GOOD!