2 Samuel 9
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Intro: Today we continue in the our journey through 2nd Samuel and today we will see one of the most moving stories in all the old testament
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Intro: Today we continue in the our journey through 2nd Samuel and today we will see one of the most moving stories in all the old testament
We’ve seen David take the throne
We’ve seen David heart for God
But here in chapter 9 we see one of David’s greatest moments - This is the Story of David and a man named Mephibosheth
Theme: The Grace and Love of God
“To be loved but not known is comforting yet superficial, to be known but not loved is our greatest fear, but to be fully known and fully loved, well thats a lot like the love of Christ”
(Prop) Now as we walk through this passage and we look this act of grace shown by king david to a man named Mephibosheth we are going remember the grace and the love of our king Jesus toward us
Lay out:
The components of grace v.1-4
A demonstration of grace v. 5-7
A fitting response to grace v.7-13
A little bit of Background: David had a loyal and loving friend by the name of
The components of grace v.1-4
The components of grace v.1-4
In order for grace t be displayed there must be 2 qualified parties, a transgressor and one who is capable of pardoning the transgression…and we’re gonna see these 2 parties in these first 4 verses...
1 And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”
2 Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “I am your servant.”
3 And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.”
4 The king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.”
2 samuel
This is where we are introduced to the stars of out story today…
So here are the 2 stars of today’s story, David and the son of David’s dearest and departed friend, Johnathan, a young man who was crippled in both feet named Mephibosheth...
1 And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”
2 Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “I am your servant.”
3 And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.”
4 The king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.”
So let’s talk about these stars of our story starting with Mephibosheth...
Mephibosheth
Mephibosheth
Though his name is not mentioned in these first 3 verses, this is the man where talking about, he was the son of Johnathan…and we’re gonna drew out 3 things about his physical condition that resemble our spiritual condition before coming to the Lord
He couldn’t walk
He couldn’t walk
If you have been with since we began our study through this book you know how this took place...
V.3 tells us that He was crippled in his feet
4 Jonathan, the son of Saul, had a son who was crippled 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 as she fled in her haste, he fell and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.
4 Jonathan, the son of Saul, had a son who was crippled 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 as she fled in her haste, he fell and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.
2 sam
When the news that the philistine victory over the royal family made it back to the house of Saul, the nanny of Mephibosheth panicked and began to flee, because it was customary in war for the new ruler party to wipe out the former parties blood line so that there wouldn’t be an uprising…she fled, she tripped, he fell
Now why was his nurse in such a rush to run away? well, at that time Saul and his sons had died, and everyone knew that David was the anointed king, and how Saul had treated him so no doubt this nurse filled with fear runs away because she thinks David’s gonna kill him...and while fleeing she drops him and he sustains some kind of spinal cord injury…and now is unable to walk because of the fall
So here’s Mephibosheth, he’s been broken since a young age, not of his own doing…yet broken none the less
App: And for us because of sin we are just like Mephibosheth…spiritually crippled and unable to walk with God on our own merit
We like to think of ourselves as good people but bible says different the bible says different - As a result of the fall, every human being is born estranged from God, and incapable of saving themselves from judgment
He was Saul’s grandson
As a result of the fall, every human being is born estranged from God, and incapable of saving themselves from judgment
1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; 2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
In that same way…We are just like Mephibosheth unable to walk because of the fall
Because of the fall of our first parents Adam and Eve…sin entered into the word and has broken everything
Illustrate - We often think that the reason we are the way we are is because of our environment…but though that might teach us a few things, the truth is we are born bent
12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—
is
I think our kids show that off pretty well
No one teaches a kid how to be selfish…but their awesome at it
He was most likely afraid of the king
He was most likely afraid of the king
No one teaches a kid how to be disobedient…but their awesome at it
And have you notice how you don’t really grow out of it?…it has to be fought against right?
Because of the fall we are unable to walk
With God
Unable to walk with others
3 And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.”
With others
In righteousness
He lived in fear
He lived in fear
What do I mean by this? - Remember where Mephibosheth was from (v.1) the house of Saul…and no one had mistreated David more then Saul…perhaps even at the young age of 5 Saul had filled his with false ideas about David, and all these years he’s trying to say as quite and off the map as possible because he thinks “If the king finds me…he’s gonna kill me”
And in that same way, Many people who don’t know Jesus are bound up by fear - You don’t have to know Jesus to know that you’ve missed the mark and you’re not what you should be
And for some God is not something they want to think about because “If he’s real I’m sure he hates me”
Here’s one more thing about him
He lived in a far off place
He lived in a far off place
4 The king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.”
2 sam 9:Now it was about 15-20 mile a journey to Lo-da-Bar, but compared to where Mephibosheth could have lived (The kings courts) It may as well have been Jupiter...Lo-da-bar “which means place without pasture” or “barren land” some actually read it as “a place of nothingness"
Now it was about 15-20 mile a journey to Lo-da-Bar, but compared to where Mephibosheth could have lived (The kings courts) It may as well have been Jupiter...Lo-da-bar “which means place without pasture” or “barren land” some actually read it as “a place of nothingness"
Now it was about 15-20 mile a journey to Lo-da-Bar, but compared to where Mephibosheth could have lived (The kings courts) It may as well have been Jupiter...Lo-da-bar “which means place without pasture” or “barren land” some actually read it as “a place of nothingness"
And in that same way unsaved man is fearful of God they are try and get as far away from God as then Can? - Why? because avoidance is always birthed out of things like “Guilt” “Shame” or “Fear”
Illustrate: Have you ever noticed owed someone money and then
Illustrate: Have you ever noticed owed someone money and not had the money to pay them back?
App: Many people are like Mephibosheth:
Their crippled
Their think the king hates them
Which keeps them far off from him and the life they could know in him
Is this you?
King David
King David
What do I mean by this? - Remember where Mephibosheth was from (v.1) the house of Saul…and no one had mistreated David more then Saul…perhaps even at the young age of 5 Saul had filled his with false ideas about David, and all these years he’s trying to say as quite and off the map as possible because he thinks “If the king finds me…he’s gonna kill me”
Illustration - Have you ever noticed that fear creates avoidance, when you owe someone money but don’t have the money to pay them if you in the super market and you see them…what are you trying to do? leave
And in that same way, Many people who don’t know Jesus are bound up by fear - You don’t have to know Jesus to know that you’ve missed the mark and you’re not what you should be
Fear of death
Illustration - Have you ever noticed that fear creates avoidance, when you owe someone money but don’t have the money to pay them if you in the super market and you see them…what are you trying to do? leave
App: Once again. just like mephibosheth, the bible tells us that because of our sin and because of God’s holiness, we were once enemies of God
App: Once again. just like mephibosheth, the bible tells us that because of our sin and because of God’s holiness, we were once enemies of God
Illustration - Have you ever noticed that fear creates avoidance, when you owe someone money but don’t have the money to pay them if you in the super market and you see them…what are you trying to do? leave
And for some God is not something they want to think about because “If he’s real I’m sure he hates me”
Fear of God
Illustration - Have you ever noticed that fear creates avoidance, when you owe someone money but don’t have the money to pay them if you in the super market and you see them…what are you trying to do? leave
Fear of People
App: Once again. just like mephibosheth, the bible tells us that because of our sin and because of God’s holiness, we were once enemies of God
Remember where Mephibosheth was from (v.1) the house of Saul…and no one had mistreated David more then Saul…
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,
App: for many people, the idea of their being a god who is the moral authority in this life, is an off putting because people know that they measure up to the standard the God has set forth in his word
He lived in a barren place
He lived in a barren place
3 And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.”
4 The king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.”
2 sam
4 The king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.”
Now it was about quite a journey to L, Mephibosheth was staying at the house of a good man by the name of Machir who was a kind and helpful man, yet He lived in a town called Lo-da-bar “which means place without pasture” or “barren land”…in other words the place was lacking of water…some actually read it as “a place of nothingness" and it was far off in the sense that it was a
Now it was about 15-20 mile a journey to Lo-da-Bar, but compared to where Mephibosheth could have lived (The kings courts) It may as well have been Jupiter...Lo-da-bar “which means place without pasture” or “barren land” some actually read it as “a place of nothingness"
In that same way their are many people in this world who are crippled spiritually, living fearfully, insatiably thirsty for love, purpose, satisfaction…yet everything they try just leads to more thirst
King David
Think about this:
Think about this:
Think about this:
When your a kid…all you want is to be a teen
When your a teen…all you want to be an adult
I think Solomon is always a good example of this...
When your an adult…all you want is to be a kid again and the cycle continues...
I think Solomon is always a good example of this...
16 I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.”
17 And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind.
18 For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.
EC
16 And David said to him, “Your blood be on your head, for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have killed the Lord’s anointed.’ ” 17 And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and Jonathan his son, 18 and he said it should be taught to the people of Judah; behold, it is written in the Book of Jashar. He said:
App: It speaks to being thirsty…and we drink from the wells of this world and we find ourselves…still thirsty
2 SAM 1:16-18
So here’s Mephibosheth…Lame…Fearful…living in a barren land…and thats how we were before Jesus
King David
King David
He was Saul’s grandson
Let’s talk about David first - He’s the forgivor
Let’s talk about David first - He’s the forgivor
Here’s a couple things that you need to understand about King David…here’s the first one…it’s a real dozy
He’s the king
He’s the king
There were others who could have been helpful to Mephibosheth's lowly state (We know that he was staying at the home of a man named Machir v.4) but none would be more capable of turning around this broken mans life more then the king
The king could pronounce forgiveness
The king could restore what been lost
The king was the one who had wronged in the first place
App: And thats the with King Jesus...Only he can forgive sin…
He’s searching for people like Mephibosheth
He’s searching for people like Mephibosheth
1 And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”
Only he can forgive sin…
10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 john 4:10
Illustrate: have you ever noticed how Jesus during his earthly ministry would go around forgiving people of random sins?…could you imagine if some stranger came up to you and said “Hey that fight you had with your spouse, I just want you to know i forgive you for that”
What would you think?
Why did Jesus do that? Because every sin against Him
2 samuel
Why did Jesus do that? Because every sin against Him
He’s searching for Mephibosheth
He’s searching for Mephibosheth
Here’s the point: The same way Mephibosheth needed the kings pardon…So did you…King Jesus…The wrath of God required the Lamb of God to make atonement for my sin…nothing else would do
Any here’s the other thing we see about King David
He’s searching for Mephibosheth
He’s searching for Mephibosheth
3 And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.”
4 The king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.”
3 And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.”
This is quite beautiful, because you have Mephibosheth is broken because of a fall and living in fear in a barren land, perhaps he’s thinking “Man i just hope he doesn’t find me ” and all the while David’s heart towards Mephibosheth was…kindness and restoration
App: Thats my prayer today…that you would know the depth and hight and width of the Love of God...
This is quite beautiful, because you have Mephibosheth, broken because of the fall and living in fear in a barren land, perhaps he’s thinking “Man i just hope he doesn’t find me ” and all the while David’s heart towards Mephibosheth was…kindness and restoration
Notice it was For “Johnathan’s sake” - what does that mean?
Johnathan was David’s most Loyal and loving friend and even when David was on the run from Saul (Johnathan’s dad) He still knew that God would keep his word and David would be king…so he asked David to make his a promise...
14 If I am still alive, show me the steadfast love of the Lord, that I may not die; 15 and do not cut off your steadfast love from my house forever, when the Lord cuts off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth.”
1 sam 20:15-15
So bound by his loving promise…David seeks out crippled, fearful, lowly Mephibosheth…but not to kill him…to bless save him
App: And thats a picture of Jesus...
Illustration: I think about the story of Zacchaeus -
10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Luke 19
Here’s the point: perhaps you really low today, your fearful, thirsty, far off…You are just the kind of Person that king Jesus is looking…the goodness of God is for you today
Now why is David’s kindness so special? well it’s because...
There were others who could have been helpful to Mephibosheth's lowly state…but none would every be more capable of turning around his broken mans life more then the king
He’s was kinhow t
V.1 - Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”
He could pronounce forgiveness
v.3 - “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him? -
Illustrate: One of the first things we notice is the kindness of the king…now think about this...most kings at this juncture who say something like “Is there anyone left from the old royal family because we should probably kill them” yet here’s David saying something totally different...
He has boundless resources
App:
He was the one whom the house of Saul had wronged
Thats the same with God
Illustrate: have you ever noticed how Jesus during his earthly ministry would go around forgiving people of random sins?…could you imagine if some stranger came up to you and said “Hey that fight you had with your spouse, I just want you to know i forgive you for that”
What would you think?
Why did Jesus do that? Because every sin against Him
Here’s the point: Not only is Jesus king who we’ve sinned against, but he’s rich in mercy and not only is he capable of forgiving the transgressor, he’s searching out the low and the lost that they might know the kindness of God
A demonstration of grace v. 5-13
A demonstration of grace v. 5-13
A demonstration of grace v.5-7
A demonstration of grace v.5-7
So this servant Ziba says “King, there’s one man, but he’s crippled, he’s afraid, he doesn’t have anything to offer you and look at David’s response
5 Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.
6 And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, “Mephibosheth!” And he answered, “Behold, I am your servant.” 7 And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.”
5 Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.
6 And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, “Mephibosheth!” And he answered, “Behold, I am your servant.”
Could you imagine what Mephibosheth was thinking when David had summoned him? he’s thinking “I’m gonna die”
And that wasn’t unreasonable to think considering the times they lived in…a time of war...
Think about this: Everything that Mephibosheth about kings he learned from his grandfather (Saul) his weak uncle (Ish-bo sheth) and the Pagan Nations around
Did you know that archeologist certain war practices around this time where new kings were known to take the family of the fallen kings and skin them alive and use their skin as covers for their seats
Did you know that archeologist certain war practices around this time where new kings were known to take the family of the fallen kings and skin them alive and use their skin as covers for their seats
Did you know that archeologist certain war practices around this time where new kings were known to take the family of the fallen kings and skin them alive and use their skin as covers for their seats
Did you know that archeologist certain war practices around this time where new kings were known to take the family of the fallen kings and skin them alive and use their skin as covers for their seats
App: Many people have this skewed idea of God not because they know him, but because they knew others who misrepresented him
Church that are more about what we hate then who we love
Friends who had bad experiences with church
All the while…you’ve never taken the time to know him personally
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
So no doubt he falls flat on his face, most likely thinking it’s gonna fell the jagged edge of a sword any second…but look what happens
So no doubt he falls flat on his face, most likely thinking it’s gonna fell the jagged edge of a sword any second…but look what happens
7 And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.”
2 samuel 9:7
So Mephibosheth thought the king was gonna blast him…when al lhe wanted to do was bless him...
Notice a few things here...
: Everything that Mephibosheth about kings he learned from his grandfather (Saul) his weak uncle (Ish-bo sheth) and the Pagan Nations around
All these years Mephibosheth was living with an understanding of the kings heart for him - Why is that? because everything that Mephibosheth about kings he learned from his grandfather (Saul) his weak uncle (Ish-bo sheth) and the Pagan Nations around
App: Many people have this skewed idea of God not because they know him, but because they knew others who misrepresented him
App: Many people have this skewed idea of God not because they know him, but because they knew others who misrepresented him
Church that are more about what we hate then who we love
Friends who had bad experiences with church
All the while…you’ve never taken the time to know him personally
David wanted to restore Mephibosheth’s inheritance - Everything that was lost at the fall of the old king was now being restored by the new one
Illustrate: I think about that…God had given to Adam the world, and he said that it was good…but Adam forfeited that through the fall
Through Jesus all that is wrong will be made right
Through Jesus our fellowship with God is restored
App: If you here and you think that all Jesus wants to do is take, you are mistaken…all he wants to do is restore you
Look at what else he does for him...
not
(v.7) “I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.” - Think about this in v.6 Mephibosheth is content to be treated like a servant…And King david calls him in to eat as if he’s a son
(v.7) “I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.” - Think about this in v.6 Mephibosheth is content to be treated like a servant…And King david calls him in to eat as if he’s a son
3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
For some reason about the idea of Adoption:
The Mcdougals
The boyds
And I think about what Paul says...
And I think about what Paul says...
15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Abba essentally means dad or daddy…and Paul says “we can call him Abba..Father” essentally putting a double emphases on the intimate relationship God’s people can have with him
Illustration: When you really think about the how gracious God has been with us it’s kind of mind blowing
went from the “land of barreness to
Illustration: When you really think about the how gracious God has been with us it’s kind of mind blowing
The bible calls us enemies of God
It would have been gracious for him just to send us to hell for a little while…but he did more then that
It would been gracious for save us, but never let us forget our fall…shame us forever
It would have been gracious for him to say “I’m not gonna shame you…but I’ll never love you”
But then theirs what he actually did…He calls me son
Notice all of it was for the “Sake of Johnathan” (.7) - None of this was bases Mephibosheth’s value, it was on the bases the Kings promise
App: In that same way, the reason we are saved is not because of our doing, but because of God’s faithfulness and love
A fitting response to grace v.8-13
A fitting response to grace v.8-13
8 And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?”
8 And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?”
9 Then the king called Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master’s grandson.
10 And you and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him and shall bring in the produce, that your master’s grandson may have bread to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s grandson shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
11 Then Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king commands his servant, so will your servant do.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, like one of the king’s sons.
12 And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. And all who lived in Ziba’s house became Mephibosheth’s servants.
13 So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king’s table. Now he was lame in both his feet.
8 And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?”
9 Then the king called Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master’s grandson.
10 And you and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him and shall bring in the produce, that your master’s grandson may have bread to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s grandson shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
11 Then Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king commands his servant, so will your servant do.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, like one of the king’s sons.
12 And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. And all who lived in Ziba’s house became Mephibosheth’s servants.
13 So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king’s table. Now he was lame in both his feet.
2 sam 9:8
2 SAM 9:8-
There’s a few ways Mephibosheth responds to the kings kindness that are found here and in future passage and i just ant to cover those before we close because they they 4 things together produce a fitting response for us to God’s grace and kindness...
He responds with Humility
He responds with Humility
First - He response with humility - 8 And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?” - As he’s come to know they king, Mephibosheth has come to know himself…he’s recognized, I’m so far from You…I’m not worthy to be treated this way
8 And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?” - As he’s come to know they king, Mephibosheth has come to know himself…he’s recognized, I’m so far from You…I’m not worthy to be treated this way
8 And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?” - As he’s come to know they king, Mephibosheth has come to know himself…he’s recognized, I’m so far from You…I’m not worthy to be treated this way
App: This is what a person looks like who’s had a revelation of the grace of God
He has a low view of himself, yet he doesn’t willow…look
He accepts David’s invitation
He accepts David’s invitation
Look at verse 11 - So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, like one of the king’s sons - The offer had been extended…but It’s only gonna be enjoyed if it’s accepted
App: It’s the same with you and I, the king has come and offered to pull you out of the land of nothingness and come and eat at his table…but you have to accept the invitation
Lincoln and a young slave girl...
Now there’s 2 other responses that Mephibosheth has to the grace of the King, but they are found a little later in his life…in Chapter 19
He sacrifices for the King
He sacrifices for the King
In chapter 19 Years past, and David’s family has become very dysfunctional Absalom (David’s son) revolted against him and he was forced into exile. The rebellion ended after Absalom was killed, and when David returned to Jerusalem he met Mephibosheth face to face and we read this
24 And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king. He had neither taken care of his feet nor trimmed his beard nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came back in safety.
2 sam 19:24
Years past, and David’s family has become very dysfunctional Absalom (David’s son) revolted against him and he was forced into exile. The rebellion ended after Absalom was killed, and when David returned to Jerusalem he met Mephibosheth face to face
Because Mephibosheth was so marked by the kings grace, though out the time of the king’s rejection, He too abstained from the pleasures afforded to him because he wanted identify with the King
App: This is a part of being marked by the grace of God…we are willing to sacrifice things that they world is not willing to sacrifice so we can be identified Christ
Lastly…
He abandons all for the King
He abandons all for the King
In this same chapter we find out that Ziba has betrayed Mephibosheth and told David that he was plotting against him to win the kingdom back, and the king buys into this lie and says “Everything thats Mephibosheth’ is now yours”…the king would come back from exile and the truth come out and then David would say “Now that I’m king…and the issue has been cleared up, let me at least give you half of what you lost”
Look at his response
30 And Mephibosheth said to the king, “Oh, let him take it all, since my lord the king has come safely home.”
2 sam 19
Mephibosheth says...”I don’t want your blessings…I’m content with you”
Conclusion
Do you know the grace of God?…is your life Marked by the grace of God?
Whats our take away today?…I’ll try and explain it in an illastration
In Alabama, any good farmer knows that to keep your cattle or horses from wandering off you’ve got to build a fence.
But that is not how they do it in Australia… “In Australia, ranches (called stations) are so vast that fences would take forever to make and they would be too expensive to up keep…so instead of Building a thousand fences…He builds a few wells with a fresh supply of water everyday…and they never stray
App: As your pastor…I’ll build the fences…but you need to know about the well…the well of his love
a precious water supply in the Outback. It is assumed that livestock, though they will stray, will never roam too far from the well, lest they die. As long as there is a supply of clean water, the livestock will remain close by.”