Grace at the King's Table
Francesca renderos age 22 was working as a waitress on an ordinary Wednesday night in Houston when she was stunned by an act of Grace. At one of the tables sat Doug Brown a mortgage broker along with six real estate agents whose business he was trying to attract. And when Francesca came up to the table, Doug asked her. What would be the most special tip you could receive a pair of shoes? a purse and she responded flippantly. Actually, I need a car.
Well dug looked at the other other six at the table. They were real estate agents. He said if you will give me your business. He said to these I will give the girl a car.
all six agreed so he turned to Francesca and he said okay you get a car. Well since hardly a day went by in that restaurant without some jokester customer she just gave a skeptical response. Oh, sure. Are you ready to order now? What can I bring you to drink? She certainly didn't take it too seriously.
one hour later a brand new silver Mitsubishi Lancer pulled out a dark brown place the keys into her hand.
Francesca could hardly contain herself. Is this really happening? What do I do? What do I say?
Doug gave her the words; "you say these keys are mine." That's all you say.
Well, the first thing she did was call her mother and tell her I got a car. This is so great. I'm so excited and it's mine, all mine.
That's great, isn't it? By its very definition Grace is a demonstration of kindness that is unearned undeserved and unrepairable.
At this time of year we have again celebrated the wonderful gift. God gave to us in Jesus Christ you and I have been the recipients of his wondrous Grace.
One of the sweetest reasons for his grace is his fondest of us.
If God had a refrigerator your picture would be on it. If he had a wallet your photo would be in it. Because of his love for us, he sends us a sunrise every morning. and flowers Every Spring Whenever you want to talk to him he'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, but he has chosen to make this Earth his home in the earth made new.
And the gift he sent to you that arrived in Bethlehem some twenty one hundred years ago. Let's face it. He so loves this world.
There's a story in the Old Testament that it was Straits the meaning of Grace in a concrete way. It helps us understand his grace to us. It has nothing to do with Christmas / say although it contains all the elements of the wondrous story of God's favor to those who can't learn it and to those who didn't ask for it. It's not unlike the story of the Mitsubishi.
But it pertains to one fortunate beneficiary named mephibosheth. And we find it nestled in the story of King David. Do you have your Bible you could just hold it open to 2nd Samuel chapter 9? And we're going to be looking at that story in that chapter.
2nd Samuel is a place. We haven't been to lately. It's not a part of scripture. We visit very often. And yet we find the gospel told on those Dusty Pages as well 2nd Samuel chapter 9. beginning there at verse 1
now David said is there anyone who is left of the House of Saul? That I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake.
How these words were spoken near the beginning of David's rule as king over Israel. He had succeeded King saw with whom he had experience to rather treacherous and dangerous relationship. notice the word kindness
This is unusual. In those days whenever there was a regime change something happened to the members of the old ruling family. There was normally a Great Purge so that the new king would be unopposed in his Rule and if you read the books of kings and Chronicles, you will find that to be the case.
after Inauguration Day a lot of blood float
David has assumed the throne. Saul was the prior King, but we don't see any evidence of a purge instead. David ass to whom may I show kindness?
Now if you're familiar with the story of David in the Bible, you will recall that David had made a couple of promises that he is now keeping. First of all, he had made a promise to Jonathan the son of King Saul Jonathan ask the king elect for Grace whenever he assumed the throne. And David vows that he will remember the oath. We find out in first Samuel chapter 20, you may not need to turn I have the words on the screen. These are the words of David r r Jonathan to David.
And you shall not only show me the kindness of the Lord while I still live that I may not die, but you shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever know not when the Lord has cut off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the Earth. So Jonathan made a covenant with the House of David.
And you'll recall that David made a similar vow with saw himself a bit later. Fall ask for the same kind of favor that Jonathan did and David gave his word that he would spare the house of Saul after he became king. And now these words on the screen are from Saw himself.
from 1st Samuel 24 2222 Falls words and now I know indeed that you shall surely be king and that the Kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand there for swear now to me by the Lord that you will not cut off my descendants after me and that you will not destroy my name from my father's house. so David swore to Saul
These were promises David had made. Just all and to Jonathan his son. That he would spare their lives on the day whenever he would become the king. He would spare their families there would not be a Purge.
David was a promise keeper.
In this day and age when there are so many people who make vows and pledges and commitments and then break them without much consideration the fact that he would make such a vow. And then keep his vow. his impressive and striking
this was the character of David. a promise keeper
What's up with this background to go back to 2nd Samuel chapter 9? Again in verse 1 David said is there still anyone who is left of the House of Saul that I may show him kindness for Jonathan?
No nasty ass Is there anyone?
He does not ask. Is there anyone out there? Who is Worthy? Is there anyone out there who is acceptable? Is there one whom we would agree measures up?
No, he says is there. anyone
And that's Grace.
It's available to all.
Grace is not selective. It is not exclusive Grace has no filter it Embraces anyone.
We hear that in the gospel. that whosoever believes shall have everlasting life.
Whoever is thirsty, let him come.
whoever
That's Grace. Is there anyone? To whom I may show kindness.
the story continues verse 2 and 3
and there was a servant of the House of Saul whose name was ziba. And when they have called him to David the king said to him argue ziba. And he said At Your Service? Then the king said is they're not still someone of the House of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God.
notice those words the kindness of God
remember that when you are kind. You are showing something about God.
There's more testimony about God in an act of kindness than there is in a whole sermon.
You know, what makes a good Witness. Many people say they don't know how to witness. But I don't know what to do to witness.
Here's what makes the best witness.
kindness
When you are kind you are showing something about God. And you are witnessing.
You are revealing something about the father. When you are kind.
I agree with the familiar words of Ellen White who?
applied this thought
We should humble ourselves before God and be kind and courteous. and tender-hearted and pitiful if so. There would be 100 Believers of the truth. Where now? There is only one.
Have you heard that before? Do those words town? true Could it be? The kindness has that kind of power.
We're looking ahead now into a new year.
Everything else being the same if there is only one thing that we could do that might be an improvement. Or that we might grow in or that we might focus upon.
Let It Be The Practice of kind
will it be wonderful if we had at this time next year? 100 new believers Who could trace their being here to an act of kindness that you are I did for them? Wouldn't that be great if we could just leave everything else the same same music same building same to use same people.
But there's a power in kindness.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if this place was found to be a place where kindness rude? and prevailed and was nurtured and was emphasized.
I've heard it said is a mantra. In a world where you can be anything.
Be kind.
No, this is David. This is David. Now the new king he knows about what we're talking about. He knows about this characteristic of kindness because God dwelled in his heart. He had a heart like gods.
And his first act upon taking over the throne was to whom can I show kind? for my friend Jonathan's sake Well ziba a servant of Saul identifies when there is one. He's a son of Jonathan.
Buttons, I buzzwords we here just a word of caution. We here just the word of counsel. He says in verse 3. There is still a son of Jonathan.
Who is lame? in his feet David you're looking for someone to bring to the Palace. You may want to think twice before you consider this one. He's not very kingly he doesn't fit in with all of our Pomp and Splendor the Majesty of Jerusalem and and government royalty. Well this one this one. Well, he's he's a cripple. He hobbles Along on crutches.
Will David is not bothered by another's blemish?
David is not troubled by another's handicap. Look at his response to zebras report verse 4.
So the king said to him. Where is he and Ziva said to the king indeed. He is in the house of make her the son of a Mio In lodebar.
In answer to the question. Where is he? The answer is given. He's out there in a place called lodebar. Lodebar, you know where that is. lodebar It's a place the Hebrew expression means no pasture. That's where he is. He's in lodebar. He's out there in the wilderness. He's out there in the barren fields of Palestine. You see in the case of a purge mephibosheth have placed himself way out there Far Far Away out in the wilderness. He's in hiding. He's as far away from the King as he can get he separated from the king's court in an isolated lonely Place known as lo-debar. No. pasture hiding interfere isolated secluded
By the way, how did this young man? This this son of Jonathan become a cripple? How did it happen?
2nd Samuel 4:4 tells us Jonathan Saul's son had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel and his nurse took him up and fled. And it happened as she made haste to flee that he fell and became lame his name was. mephibosheth
So he was handicapped he was. Crippled and he was isolated. He was hiding. at Falls death because of fear of purge or arrest the nurse picked him up and then began to run together they would flee but in the hurry and in the Panic he fell And ever since Age 5 he was he was crippled and handicapped in his feet. hiding in lodebar the wilderness Wasteland of Palestine
the story continues at verse 5 Ben King David's aunt and and brought him out of the house of make her the son of a Mio from lodebar. The son of Jonathan the son of Saul had come to David he fell on his face and prostrated himself. and then David said mephibosheth and he answered here is your servant.
So David said to him. Do not fear. For I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan. Your father's sake and will restore to you all the land of saw your grandfather and you shall eat bread at my table continually.
That's Grace.
one time Thomas Jefferson was riding with a group of Horseman
They came to a river. That was swollen.
And I'm standing at the river. There was a man on foot who needed to get across but he didn't have a way one by one these Companions of Thomas Jefferson on their horses went through the river. Got up on the other side.
And is Thomas Jefferson came by on his horse the man hailed him? And you know, can I can you take me to Cross? please
so Thomas Jefferson Hoisted him up on the horse and together they went through the river and got up to the other side. On the other side one of the men said to that that man why did you select the president to ask you of him this favor?
And the man said the president I didn't know he he was the president. All I know is. on some of the faces Where written? The word no. And on some of the faces I saw it written the answer. Yes. He had a yes face. I guess face.
So it was with David. When was super Chef looked up? He saw in David's face. oh yes expression
people who understand Grace have a yes face.
It reflects benevolence. reflex kindness It exudes. Mercy
by the way, when you look in the mirror, what do you see?
I guess face.
or no face
Which is it?
Can we all have a yes face? How would it feel when visitors come to our church and we all have a yes face. That's The Power of kindness David look down at mephibosheth, he said my friend do not be afraid you're going to enjoy something you you've never dreamed could happen this Palace will be your home you're going to be my son welcome to the Royal
mephibosheth response in verse 8 then he bowed himself and said, what is your servant that you should look upon such a dead dog as I
You know what David doesn't even respond. It does no good to argue with Grace. Or question what it is doing it does no good to say but but I'm handicapped but I'm crippled but I'm unworthy.
You know Grace doesn't even acknowledge. Grace doesn't even respond to those objections because Grace says you are worthy. You are worthy. You are worthy. Welcome. to the king's table
Grace is so disarming. Isn't it? You can't argue with it. You cannot.
The story now continues and we can just finish the story from verses 9 to 13.
And the king called to ziba Saul servant and said to him I have given to our master's Sun all that belong to us all and to all his house. You therefore and your sons and your servants shall work the land for him and you shall bring in the Harvest that your master's son may have food to eat. But my favorite Chef your Master's Sun shall eat bread at my table always. Nosy, but had 15 sons and twenty servants. Lindsay Bissett to the king according to all that my Lord the King has commanded his servants. So will your servant do as for mephibosheth said the king he shall eat at my table like one of the King's son. Mephibosheth had a young son. His name was Micah and all who dwell in the house of ziba. We're Servants of mephibosheth. So mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem for he ate continually at the king's table and he was lame in both feet.
end of story
everything mephibosheth had once enjoyed as a member of royalty and Saul's Palace household was now restored.
He was elevated from an obscure. Nobody in a Barren wilderness.
Do being treated like a son of the king?
His handicapped did not exclude him his Provisions would be abundantly cared for all of this. because of Grace from the King once closed in the rags of obscurity and fear He is now adorned in the garments of royalty. and honor
what a story.
picture with me now
supper table of the king
it's suppertime.
They're at the head of the table. There's David himself the king. Course, he's wearing his Royal regalia and likely a crown. He's the king.
Off to his right would be joab his General the general of his army. And Generals are muscular. He's been out in the sun. So he's tanned. Of course, then he draws all the respect that a military leader would have. Next to him is amnon. One of the king's Sons. He's intelligent. He's witty. He's also handsome.
Over here on the left of David would be Tamar one of David's daughters. a beautiful a beautiful young lady Tamar
been next to her place would be where Absalom would sit Absalom, you know, it was known for that that beautiful flowing hair. He was handsome and very striking with that beautiful flowing hair.
Next to him would be Solomon's Place Solomon. He comes to the table from the the study. He's a deep thinker. Solomon is. quite an impressive family Oh.
And then Here Comes mephibosheth.
Plum drag klom drag clone drag
he joins the family.
The table cloth covers his feet.
The story doesn't end there. It took place three thousand years ago, but it is still going on even today.
Maybe you've already perceived. The fitness story we find all of the main features of our Redemption. of our salvation
of the grace that has been given to us.
It's a story filled with grace. David represents Jesus
And mephibosheth represents the sinner.
think of the parallels
mephibosheth once enjoyed fellowship with his father before Saul and Jonathan died. He was in the Palace of the king. The King was his grandfather. There were many times. He's he's sat on Grandpa stalls me face to face.
So it was with man in the garden. We were with our creator. There was uninterrupted. face-to-face interaction there
when does faster in fear came the nurse fled and and mephibosheth suffered a fall? And it left him crippled for the rest of his life.
even still when Temptation came man suffered a fall and then became a spiritual cripple. a handicapper
and and there has response. His response was to go into hiding.
and with fear
King David out of sheer love for Jonathan demonstrated grace to the crippled mephibosheth.
And even still God out of love for the sinner demonstrates grace to the one who believes in his son.
And he's still seeking cripples today. Who are lost in the wilderness?
David restored mephibosheth from a place of barrenness
to a place of honor
he took him from lodebar.
Which means no pasture? isolated sun-baked desolate land and put him in the palace.
Where he could be at the king's table? And even so God has done that for the sinner.
And has made room at his table. for you and he calls anyone exiled. Anyone out there in the barren wastes of sin to come in and have a have a place at the supper table of the king.
Might there be someone here today who is who has been in lodebar? this year out there in the wilderness out there in the desert Wilderness of sin.
Maybe that's where you came from. You been you've been there you lived in lodebar, but you have found in Jesus on new status a new place and you are not welcome at his table.
If there is someone out there and load the bar today the king is calling. The king is calling for you. The king would have you join his family and have a place that that table. Will you come? What'd you say how I'm So Unworthy. I'm a I'm a cripple. I'm handicapped. I'm not worthy of the king.
The king doesn't even hear your excuse.
He sets a place at the table for you.
Might there be one who would like to come to the table today? Might there be one who says yes. I have been in load the bar. It's a hot Dusty Baron fruit list. Miserable place and I want to be where the king will seek me.
Today, you're welcome.
Today you can make that you can arrive at the king's Palace. And know that he will receive you. That's Grace. That's the kindness of our God toward us. And it's available. to anyone
Who will come? Let us prey.
Perhaps there's someone here today who could say I was that mephibosheth.
Crippled in my Twisted pride and hiding from you in a Barren place where you could not find me where you would not give me what I deserve.
But somehow you found me. And I don't understand why but you gave me what I do not deserve.
You not only spared my desolate life. But you made it Bountiful. And here at your table. I will. Thank you. my king
praise God
in Jesus name amen