Over the years, I have developed into a reasonably proficient handyman. Emphasis here
on “reasonably.” I have built “furniture” for the laundry room, assembled countless household
items and devices, repaired cars and lawnmowers and other equipment, hung doors,
repaired windows, fixed and installed plumbing, done a variety of electrical work (with a
thousand phone calls to Larry Garmon—thanks, brother). None of this is to say that I am
anything special or unique. Many folks are far more skilled. I simply am pointing out that, over
the years, I have learned to do some things. And, I most likely will learn to do more (thanks
also to YouTube, by the way). But there are some things that are beyond
me. This can be maddening—and, believe me, there are times in the past (not my best
moments) when I became incensed because there was something that I simply could not do.
My skill set was insufficient, or my knowledge was lacking. These were the times when,
regardless what I tried, alone there was no real hope of repair.
Sometimes I am overmatched, and I just cannot do what needs to be done. Sometimes I
have to rely completely on others. Sometimes I need to be carried to the next step. Sometimes I
require others to enter into my circumstance and take over. Sometimes we need to be
blessed by the kindnesses and the gifts of those around us. Sometimes we need to notice when
others are struggling or otherwise unable to navigate the condition in which they find
themselves, and then show up with help in the name of Jesus. In fact, that needs to be more
than just “sometimes.” It needs to be all the time.
David and Jonathan were close friends. It was a noteworthy relationship, precisely
because of the tension between their families. “Tension” is an understatement, of course,
since Jonathan’s father Saul often sought to destroy David. Yet, these two young men were
boon companions. They loved each other, and they wanted only what was best for the other.
In 1 Samuel 31, we read of the death of Jonathan. In fact, the deaths of both he and his
father Saul are described in the same paragraph. This is a key moment in the fall of
the house of Saul. Saul’s family—and his reign—were virtually destroyed. This mortal
enemy of David (Saul), and this closest buddy of David (Jonathan) disappear from David’s life
in the span of just a few sentences. Jonathan’s death hit David hard, as it
would any of us who lost a dear friend. Even with all the pain that Jonathan’s family had
brought upon David, David could hardly bear the thought of the destruction of Saul’s
household. David had every human reason to move on
from this and simply count it as righteous justice. But David did not do that. Instead, after
weeping, mourning, and fasting for both Saul and Jonathan, David sought a way in which to
honor the house of Saul. To show kindness. To enter into their circumstance. To not only notice
their struggle, but also to show up in God’s name. To help them navigate the condition in
which they found themselves. In his relentless quest to be kind and
caring, David learned of Mephibosheth, the crippled son of Jonathan, grandson of Saul.
Mephibosheth could not help himself. He had no real hope of repair. He needed to be
carried. So, David carried him, saying, “I will restore to you all the land of Saul your
[grand]father, and you shall eat at my table always” (2 Sam. 9:7).
We need to notice when others are struggling or otherwise unable to navigate the
condition in which they find themselves, and then show up in the name of Jesus.
–Ricky