Temperament of Thankfulness

"For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king?" 2 Samuel 19:28

 
When David reclaimed the throne from his son Absalom, Mephibsobeth the son [actually grandson but the Hebrew have no word for grandson] of Saul met him and after he explained why he did not follow David when he fled the kingdom he expressed his gratitude to David for all that he had done for him prior to that moment and was willing to accept whatever David decided to with him from here on out. Mephibsobeth recognized the lowly estate that he was in, "all of my father's house were but dead men" and yet David had compassion towards him and showed him mercy and allowed him to fellowship with him even though he had no right to be there. Rather than ask for more upon seeing David reinstated as king he recognized the favor that had already been granted him.

Through this exchange we can see how our attitude ought to be towards the supreme Lord and King, Jesus Christ who has performed this same service towards us. Jesus looked at us who were his enemies and not only did he die for us, but he has risen and included us in his inheritance and has allowed us to be partakers in his kingdom.

"Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:5-6

Seeing how great and merciful God has been towards us who were dead we need to develop a temperament of thankfulness that acknowledges the many benefits that Christ the king of kings and lord of lords has bestowed upon us dead men instead of the attitude of entitlement that causes us to approach the throne of God with our hands out instead of up in worship.

 
Peace and Blessings From the Most High God Jesus Christ!