Unfulfilled Obligations

After many years of struggle, David was confirmed as King of Israel. David had secured Jerusalem as his city and had brought the Ark of the Covenant into it. The Lord had given David rest from his enemies and peace to Israel. Even more so, God had promised that a son of David would rule forever, a promise that would be fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. 

But David had some unfulfilled obligations. Long before, David had made a covenant with his friend Jonathan, Saul’s son. Though anyone else might have forgotten, David did not. David set out to find someone from the house of Saul to whom he could show kindness. 

Today, whilst reflecting over the year, we see how much we accumulate obligations. We make promises that we don’t fully keep despite our best intentions. We also accumulate hurts that we have never really forgiven. Worse yet, we often cause hurts for which we do not fully apologize. Over the year our debt piled up. The end of the year is a good time to consider what we have left undone, and our celebration during this holiday season should assure us that God has given us peace. In this peace, we can make peace. Are there any obligations you need to attend to? 

David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, your faithfulness endures forever. Father, please help me to be faithful, keeping the promises I make and forgiving others as I have been forgiven. In Jesus’ name, Amen.