File: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940406.txt
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          OUR DAILY BREAD                        Wednesday, April 6, 1994
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          Read:  2 Samuel 9

                                   GREATLY VALUED

                        Mephibosheth...shall eat at my table
                            like one of the king's sons.
                                    2 Samuel 9:11

          A  British factory worker and his wife were excited  when,  after
          many  years of marriage, they discovered they were going to  have
          their  first child.  According to author Jill Briscoe,  who  told
          this  true  story, the man eagerly relayed the good news  to  his
          fellow workers.  He told them God had answered his  prayers.  But
          they made fun of him for asking God for a child.

          When  the  baby  was  born, he was  diagnosed  as  having  Down's
          syndrome.  As the father made his way to work for the first  time
          after  the birth, he wondered how to face his  co-workers.  "God,
          please give me wisdom," he prayed.  Just as he feared, some  said
          mockingly,  "So, God gave you this child!"  The new father  stood
          for a long time, silently asking God for help.  At last he  said,
          "I'm glad the Lord gave this child to me and not to you."

          As  this man accepted his disabled son as God's gift to  him,  so
          David was pleased to show kindness to Saul's son who was "lame in
          his  feet"  (2 Sam. 9:3).  Some may  have  rejected  Mephibosheth
          because he was lame, but David's action showed that he valued his
          greatly.

          In  God's eyes, every person is important.  He sent His only  Son
          to die for us.  May we remember with gratitude how much He values
          each human life.

          Author:  J. David Branon

                          Lord, may we see in those we meet
                           The imprint of Your image fair,
                            And may their special dignity
                        Grow stronger from our love and care.
                                         DJD

          THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
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          Everyone is valuable to God.

          THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  2 Samuel 9-12











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