Untitled Sermon (3)

Today I want to draw a parallel between King David’s kindness and Gods kindnesses that we all receive when we come to the kings table.

2 Samuel 9:1–8 (ESV)

1And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”

2Now 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.”

3And 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.”

4The 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.”

5Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.

6And 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.”

7And 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.”

Mephibosheth was looked at all of his life as a nobody as a throwaway that no one wanted. Therefore when David showed interest in him he was probably thinking that the king had a ulterior motive for sending for him.

Mephibosheth was most likely thinking that David was going to have him killed because in those times, it was quite common that when a King takes the throne, he would eliminate the family of the King before him, to prevent future revolt or other problems.

But notice David’s first words.

· 2 Samuel 9:7 (ESV) 7And 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.”

1. THE TABLE IS A PLACE OF RESTORATION

a. He restores to him all that technically belonged him.

b. At the lowest points of his life he finds favor through the king’s kindness

c. As a result, He ends up spending the rest of his life with the King, at his table with all the benefits.

d. Today we are blessed because god has shown us kindness when we didn’t deserve it! We were crippled by sin and living in misery, and God showed His love towards us by seeking us out and bringing us out! He literally carried us to the table

· Romans 5:8 (ESV) 8but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

2. THE TABLE IS A PLACE OF REFRESHING (uplifted, revitalized or strengthened)

· Matthew 11:28 (ESV) 28Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Remember this:

a. When we are weak, he carries us.

· Isaiah 46:4 (ESV) 4even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.

· 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV) 7casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

b. When we are in need, he provides for us.

· Philippians 4:19 (ESV) 19And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

3. THE TABLE IS A PLACE OF RECALIBRATION

· 2 Samuel 9:8 (ESV) — 8 And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?”

a. I’m sure that as Mephibosheth sat the kings table, he began to see his life different…

b. Where he used to feel rejected, he now feels reclaimed

c. Where he used to feel ashamed, he now feels assured

d. Where he used to feel out of place, he now feels re-positioned

e. This is the place that we need to change how we see ourselves so that we can see our true identity in Christ because when you know your identity in him you will begin to know your true value and worth in Him!

· Psalm 139:13–16 (ESV) — 13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

Enclosing: As we close today no matter where you may see yourself your help comes from his table. Come and lay your burdens down and let the king sit you at the table of restoration and refreshment and recalibration!