2 Samuel 9 · 1 Samuel 20 · 2 Samuel 19:28
Grace
A promise made to Jonathan is fulfilled through David's kindness to Mephibosheth, demonstrating grace—undeserved favor given because of relationship rather than merit. Like God's grace toward us through Christ, this account shows how we receive blessings we don't deserve and must respond with gratitude.
Introduction
A. I know what it is like to be known by the reputation of another. My parents grew up in Western Kentucky. My grandparents were known in this area. I am unknown. My mother’s father was at one time quite well known in the Graves County area of Western Kentucky. As president of a small town bank, he knew not only businessmen, but farmers and everyone in between. My father’s father while not as well known was highly respected as a man of honesty and integrity. As a teenager, I was asked to preach at a congregation in Mayfield, Kentucky. This congregation was the home congregation of my father’s father, and about 10 miles from where my mother’s father worked in the bank. I was introduced that evening as the grandson of Gene and Ondine Baldwin and of Neville and Thelma Mays. I was honored. As I look back on that experience I realize the significance of being granted privileges because of the reputations of others.
B. Sometimes it is stated “it isn’t what you know but who you know that determines how far you get in this world.” This is a truthful statement. Business contacts are extremely important to have the potential to be successful in the business world. Sometimes it helps to have a contact with someone on the inside in order to gain some special favor. Some use this knowledge arrogantly and haughtily. There are times that we pull on who we know to receive special treatment. But in a good sense, knowing someone else can afford us privileges which are used not arrogantly but gratefully. To receive special consideration because of the kindness of another is a precious gift. Tonight 2 Samuel 9 demonstrates just such a special gift. David’s kindness to the son of Jonathan is seen. We’ll learn again the meaning of grace.
David’s Kindness
A. We are not told how long David has been king over Judah as 2 Samuel 9 opens, but we are left with the impression that it has been long enough for him to be reflecting on the goodness of God and his desire to honor others. Reflecting on his past, he knows that he made a promise to Jonathan, Saul’s son, in 1 Samuel 20. When Saul was trying to kill David, Jonathan intervened. Jonathan determined that Saul was indeed trying to kill David. Jonathan and David made a covenant. Jonathan would protect David and David would remember Jonathan’s family even after his enemies had been taken care of. Such is the case in 2 Samuel 9. David’s enemies have been set aside. He remembers his covenant to Jonathan and wants to honor his promise. So he seeks someone from Jonathan’s family to show kindness to. Through a series of questions from Saul’s former servant, it is determined that Jonathan’s surviving son, Mephibosheth is available for David’s kindness.
B. David sends for Mephibosheth. David gives Mephibosheth much more than he ever deserved. He returns Saul’s land to him and allows him to eat at his table each meal. In other words, Mephibosheth is adopted into the royal family. In addition to the land, servants are hired to farm the land and to give the profits to Mephibosheth. Through David’s kindness, Mephibosheth becomes a wealthy man.
Things to Notice
A. There are several things to notice which parallels our relationship with God. First, David acted for Mephibosheth because of the actions of his father. Mephibosheth didn’t deserve David’s kindness. Mephibosheth did nothing to attract David’s attention. David acted because of what Jonathan had done. Certainly the parallel with our relationship with God is evident. God acted on our behalf because of what Jesus did for us. We did nothing to deserve God’s kindness. We did nothing to attract God’s attention. God acted on our behalf through Jesus because of his son. This is the essence of grace. Grace is undeserved. We receive something because of God’s kindness.
B. Second, Mephibosheth received and benefitted from that which he did not expect. As far as we can tell, Mephibosheth was trying to mind his own business in Lo Debar. When David summons him, he is fearful. But he is going to receive something which he never expected. Isn’t that the case with God? When he calls us, we receive far more than we could ever imagine. Isn’t it true that the longer we are with God the more we realize what he has done and is doing for us? Isn’t it true that God gives to us far more than we deserve or could ever rightfully ask for?
C. Third, when Mephibosheth enter’s into David’s presence he is afraid of what may happen. In 9:7, David tells him not to be afraid. Why? Because most kings destroy their enemies. Mephibosheth was too young to know everything that his grandfather did to David, but there is no doubt he has heard the stories about Saul’s jealousy and certainly about his father’s kindness toward David. Yet, fear grips him as he comes into the presence of the king. He expects to be killed or banished. Yet, he receives great kindness from David. When we enter into God’s presence we may come with fear, but he tells us not to be afraid. He wants to give us good gifts.
D. Fourth, Mephibosheth remained grateful for what David had done for him. Later David will be forced to leave Jerusalem because of his son, Absalom. David seeks refuge. Eventually, David returns to Jerusalem. Mephibosheth meets David. In chapter 19, David wants to know why Mephibosheth did not go with him as he fled. Mephibosheth explains that he is lame and was going to ride his donkey with David, but Ziba had stolen all the donkeys giving them to David. So he had no choice but to remain in Jerusalem. 19:28 is the interesting part. “All my grandfather’s descendants deserved nothing but death from my lord the king, but you gave your servant a place among those who eat at your table. So what right do I have to make any more appeals to the king?” Mephibosheth remained grateful for what David had done. Mephibosheth realized that he was alive and prosperous because of David’s kindness. It was David’s to give and it was David’s to take away. Gratefulness is our only response to God’s grace. We must acknowledge that it was God who gave to us and it is God who can take away. We have no right to ask for more. ILL. Grace: Need for. Invitation.
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