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)

In 2 Samuel 9:1-13, we find a remarkable story highlighting the importance of following God's standards over societal norms. During David's time, new kings typically eliminated all family members of the previous king to secure their reign. However, David chose a different path, remembering his covenant with Jonathan, the son of King Saul, as outlined in 1 Samuel 20:14-15.

David's actions teach us a powerful lesson. Instead of blindly following cultural norms, we should seek to honor the higher standards set by God. In our lives, we encounter situations where society may pressure us to conform to its standards, even if they conflict with God's principles. It can be tempting to follow the crowd, but like David, we are called to be people of integrity and

honor our commitments.

Following God's standards often requires courage and a willingness to stand against the tide of popular opinion. May we, like David, choose God's way instead of society's.

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Prayer

Dear Lord, please help me to be like David, who chose to uphold his covenant with Jonathan, showing mercy and love in the face of cultural norms. Give me the strength to follow Your standards, even when the world around me pushes me in a different direction. May I be known for going your way instead of society's. In Jesus' name, amen.

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Reflection

1. Are there situations in your life where you've felt pressured to conform to societal norms that contradict your faith?

2. How can you show mercy and grace in a situation where cultural norms advocate for judgment or retaliation?

3. What steps can you take to align your actions more closely with God's standards, even when they go against the grain of popular culture?

The King Has a Seat at His Table for You

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