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Thursday, November 15, 2012

Word

One day David asked, "Is anyone in Saul's family still alive—anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?" He summoned a man named Ziba, who had been one of Saul's servants. "Are you Ziba?" the king asked. "Yes sir, I am," Ziba replied. The king then asked him, "Is anyone still alive from Saul's family? If so, I want to show God's kindness to them." Ziba replied, "Yes, one of Jonathan's sons is still alive. He is crippled in both feet." "Where is he?" the king asked. "In Lo-debar," Ziba told him, "at the home of Makir son of Ammiel." So David sent for him and brought him from Makir's home. (2 Samuel 9:1-5 NLT)

I kind of got a kick out of learning more recent slang last year.  I had college students who were willing to teach me what to say and what it meant.  "Word" suddenly had a completely different meaning.  It became a way of saying "how's it going," "what's up," or even "hello."  It took a little getting used to when someone would say, "Word up?"

Words can be very powerful things.  They have the power to build someone up or tear them down.  Words have meaning, purpose, tone, and flow.  A word can cast an immensely large vision and inspire countless numbers to pursue it.  Words are able to change minds and, as a result, change the world.

While Saul was still alive and King, he asked for David's word. "Now swear to me by the LORD that when that happens you will not kill my family and destroy my line of descendants!" So David promised this to Saul with an oath. Then Saul went home..."(1 Samuel 24:21-22 NLT)

David had given his word.  Now he was going to follow-through on it.

His name was Mephibosheth; he was Jonathan's son and Saul's grandson. When he came to David, he bowed low to the ground in deep respect. David said, "Greetings, Mephibosheth." Mephibosheth replied, "I am your servant." "Don't be afraid!" David said. "I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king's table!" (2 Samuel 9:6-7 NLT)

I'm sure Mephibosheth was grateful that David was a man of his word.  It changed his world.

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