Sunday School: Justice and Kindness

Good morning!
We're so glad you've joined us for the third Sunday of Advent!

As we meet in person, we share together our joys and concerns. Take some time to consider the past week, and what prayer requests you might have to share. If you would like, you can add them in the comments so that we can all pray for them. When you are ready, use this prayer (source) to get started:

God of hope,
you call us home from the exile of selfish oppression
to the freedom of justice,
the balm of healing,
and the joy of sharing.
Make us strong to join you in your holy work,
as friends of strangers and victims,
companions of those whom others shun,
and as the happiness of those whose hearts are broken.
We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

---

This week's lesson is on 2 Samuel 9:1-7, 9-12. 

The Lord rejected Saul and had Samuel anoint David to be Saul’s successor.  David’s most loyal and trusted friend was Jonathan, Saul’s oldest son.  their friendship resulted in a covenant that obligated both parties.  Jonathan would protect and support Davie, while Davie pledged to show kindness to Jonathan’s family.  Today’s text takes 15 to 20 years after David became king.  At the time the priority was to eliminate the previous king’s family.  David determined to keep his promises and spare the family of his friend and his former king.  Davie had established Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and Saul’s family was in hiding.  Even after “the Lord has cut off everyone of Davis’s enemies from the face of the earth.” David determined to keep his pledge to Jonathan.  When Saul & Jonathan died in battle, Mephibosheth was 5 years old. a nurse fled with him to Gibeah, but in her haste she dropped him and both of his feet were crippled.  David asked, “Is there anyone left from the family of Saul to whom I can show some godly kindness?”  Mephibosheth Was delivered to king David.  David promises: 

"I’m returning to you all the properties of your grandfather Saul. Furthermore, from now on you’ll take all your meals at my table.” David shows him kindness for the sake of Jonathan in order to keep their covenant.  He showed kindness and justice to Mephibosheth because he pledged to do so and also because he received the same from Jonathan.  David wanted his kingship to display the characteristics of divine justice that were required of Israel as a whole.  David feared, seven and loved god with all his heart and soul.

The same is true today. We are called to remember the kindness that God has shown us and to share it with others.  Henry Blackaby says:   
    “Do not only seek God’s goodness for yourself, seek to share His goodness with others.  When He pours His blessing upon your life, find ways to give it away.”

Prayer:  Father, you have  shown us many kindnesses and given us examples to follow in your Word.  May we show your love, kindness, and justice to others in return.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

​Thought to Remember.
​Show God’s kindness -  keep your promises.

Benediction
Our benediction today is from the New International Version.

Next week's lesson online will be on Isaiah 9:1-7.

​“Special Sunday School Hour for Christmas!"
On the Sunday before Christmas (December 19) we’ll have a special time together! We’ll
gather at 10:00 in the sanctuary and we will have a Christmas Carol Hymn Sing with a reading
of the Christmas Story from the Bible! A relaxed fun time for all as we prepare for morning
worship and the final week of Advent. Everyone is welcome!”