https://odb.org/2023/09/04/extreme-kindness
The story of Jehoiachin, a Judah king exiled in Babylon as recounted in Jeremiah 52:31-34, is a picture of God’s love and kindness for us, His children in Christ. The new Babylonian king, Awel-Marduk, released Jehoiachin after he had spent the last 37 years incarcerated in prison and gave him a place at his table, new clothes, a residence and a regular allowance until the day he died. It was kindness in the extreme.
A similar story occurred earlier in the life of Mephibosheth, the grandson of Saul and the crippled son of Jonathan. King David remembered his covenant with Jonathan and restored the family’s land, house, and servants to Mephibosheth despite past repeated attempts by Saul to kill him. Like Awel-Marduk, David also gave Mephibosheth a permanent place at his table.
A regular place at the King’s table not only meant that one will not ever go hungry but instead will always enjoy the finest of food (thus the expression, “a dish fit for a king”). It is also a place of honour to dine with the King, not once but regularly. At that time, Babylon, if not the most powerful, was probably one of the most powerful of nations.
Sometimes, we forget that as believers redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, we have also been treated with extreme kindness by God. Many are called, but few are chosen. As chosen ones of God, we have the privilege of being co-heirs with Christ, the King of Kings. We have a permanent place at the King’s table. Thus, like David wrote before in Psalm 23, He has prepared a table for me in the presence of my enemies. He has anointed my head with oil. My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever!
Be grateful and thankful to God each day for giving us Jesus and for giving us the privilege of having invited Jesus into our lives. Repay His extreme kindness by being faithful and committed to Christ. Serve Christ with all our heart, soul, and mind. He is worthy of our worship, service, obedience, and sacrifice, for He died for our souls and our sins.
Ronnie's Thoughts 