March 1

So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.” — 2 Sam 9:3 BSB

It seems to have been the nurse’s fault. She ran with the baby, stumbled, and he was crippled for life.

There are many people who are emotionally or spiritually crippled because of someone else’s mistake. They may not show it physically, but the damage is in their souls, and that’s far worse than any physical injury. Someone can have a physical disability and still be beautiful in character.

But the crippling of a soul leaves a moral blemish that may last into eternity. It’s a terrible thing to cause someone to stumble, leaving them crippled and helpless for life. Worse still is damaging a life or character for eternity. We can’t be too careful about how we live.

Jesus spoke solemn words about the person who causes a little one to stumble. If we live carelessly, we might do this. Let’s live always in the light of Christ.