DIGGING DEEP NO. 1040 June 18, 2024 SHARING GOD’S KINDNESS 2Sam.9: 1- 13.

The kindness of God can be described as “mercy and favor of the Lord to undeserving people.” Apostle Paul saw the kindness of God in the coming of Jesus Christ and His work on the cross Tit.3: 3- 7; Ephe.2: 1- 9. And we see in David’s dealings with Mephibosheth a picture of God’s kindness to lost sinners. David had promised both Saul and Jonathan that he would not exterminate their descendants when he became king 1Sam.20: 12- 17, 42; 24: 21- 22; and in the case of Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth, David not only kept his promise but went above and beyond the call of duty.

This is such a beautiful demonstration of love and acceptance, but it’s even more beautiful when we understand the culture in which David and Mephibosheth lived. During this time in history, when one King took over another King’s throne, the new King would kill the entire family of the former King. This was to ensure that the family of the old King would not try to regain the power they once had. This explains why Mephibosheth bowed down out of fear. This also explains why David comforted him and told him not to be afraid. The tradition of the time would have called for David to kill Mephibosheth. But David treated Mephibosheth as an honored guest. David didn’t follow tradition. He didn’t follow culture. He followed God. David showed kindness after God’s example to be merciful as He is Lk.6: 36.

Nobody in all Israel except David could have shown this kindness to Mephibosheth because David was the king. He had inherited all that belong to king Saul 2Sam.12: 8, and could dispose of it as he saw fit. Surely, we have here a picture of the Son of David, Jesus Christ, who through His death, resurrection, and ascension has been glorified on the throne of heaven and can now dispense His spiritual riches to needy sinners.

Finding Mephibosheth – It is important to note that David’s motivation for seeking Mephibosheth was not because of his horrible condition, but David’s desire to honor Jonathan, the father. He did what he did for Jonathan’s sake. David couldn’t show any love or kindness to Jonathan, so he looked for one of Jonathan’s relatives to whom he could express his affection. So, it is with God’s children: they are called and saved, not because they deserve anything from God; but for the sake of God’s Son, Jesus Christ Ephe.1: 6; 4: 32. God in His grace gives us what we don’t deserve, and in His mercy doesn’t give us what we do deserve. Our faith, conversion, and eternal salvation are not products of our abilities or merits; but because God is rich in mercy. Our salvation is a product of our union in Christ. By the account of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done and suffered we can enjoy the great goodness and mercies of God.

Calling Mephibosheth – What were Mephibosheth’s thoughts when the summons came to appear before the king? If he believed what his grandfather had said about David, he would have feared for his life; but if he had listened to what his father told him about David, he would have rejoiced. The king spoke his name and immediately assured him that there was nothing to fear. The fact that David made the first move to rescue Mephibosheth reminds us that it was God who reached out to us and not we who sought Him. We were separated from God and enemies of God, yet He loved us and sent His Son to die for us Rom.5: 8. For David to rescue and restore Mephibosheth cost him only the land of Saul, which he had never paid for to begin with; but for God to restore us and bring us into His family, Jesus had to sacrifice His life. Our inheritance is much more than a piece of real estate on earth; it’s an eternal home in heaven.

Enriching Mephibosheth – David took him into his own family, provided for him, protected him, and let him eat at his own table. Whereas previously Mephibosheth had Ziba and his fifteen sons and twenty servants working for him, now all the resources and authority of the king of Israel were at his disposal. Ziba and his sons and servants would still work the land for Mephibosheth and give him the profits, but those profits would be insignificant compared to the king’s wealth. David’s words “eat at my table” are found four times in the passage (Vs. 7,10, 11, 13) and indicate that Jonathan’s son would be treated like David’s son.

Mephibosheth looked upon himself as a “dead dog” and we were dead in our trespasses and sins when Jesus called us and gave us new life Ephe.2: 1- 6. We have a higher position than that which David gave Mephibosheth, for we sit on the throne with Jesus Christ and reign in life through Him Rom.5: 17. God gives us the riches of His mercy and grace Ephe.2: 4- 7, and unsearchable riches in Christ Ephe.3: 8. God supplies all our needs, not out of an earthly king’s treasury, but according to His riches in glory Phil.4: 19. Mephibosheth lived the rest of his life in the earthly Jerusalem, but God’s children are already citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, where they will dwell forever with the Lord Heb. 12: 22- 24.”

Another important thing to note is that when some of Saul’s descendants were chosen to be slain, David protected Mephibosheth from death 2Sam.21: 1- 11, especially verse 7. There was another descendant named Mephibosheth Vs.8; but David knew the difference between the two. The spiritual application to believers today is obvious; “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” Rom.8: 1; 1Thes.5: 9.

In Conclusion – Mephibosheth is a difficult name to remember and pronounce, but it reminds us of the kindness of God shown to us through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.   

Mephibosheth had a choice to make. He could say, “No. I like my life the way it is.” But Mephibosheth trusted David. He accepted the blessings that the king offered him.

I hope you will also accept the invitation from the King of kings and Lord of lords Rev.3: 20.