Leiper's Fork church of Christ

In ROMANS 15:4, the apostle Paul wrote, "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." With these words in mind, I would like us to consider a few thoughts from the book of II SAMUEL, specifically regarding the man, Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth is by no means a “main character” in the overall picture of the Bible, perhaps one might not even think of his role in II SAMUEL to be of extreme significance. However, the story of Mephibosheth one, worthy of our attention.

DAVID SEEKS TO SHOW KINDNESS Having subdued his enemies in II SAMUEL 8, King David turns his attention to personal matters. Though it is said of Saul in I SAMUEL 18:29, that he "...became David's enemy continually", David's closest friend was Jonathan, the son of Saul. The Scripture bears witness to vows made between David and Jonathan. Jonathan asked that David, in I SAMUEL 20:14-15, "And thou shalt not only while yet I live show me the kindness of the Lord that I die not: But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the Lord cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.” In view of this vow he had made, David inquires in II SAMUEL 9:1 ‘...Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” It appears that David did not know of Mephibosheth. When he was five years of age, word came of his father Jonathan's death. We then see in II SAMUEL 4:4, that out of concern for the child's safety,his nurse, “...took him up and fled, and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame...”. We see in II SAMUEL 9:4 that at the time of David's inquiry, Mephibosheth was dwelling "...in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar." [note, Lo Debar literally means no pasture/promise].

MEPHIBOSHETH MEETS KING DAVID In II SAMUEL 9:7,almost the first words that David speaks to Mephibosheth are to “...fear not...” . It is possible that he had heard for years that David would seek to kill him, lest he attempt to seize the throne of his grandfather. However, David had no ill intended for Mephibosheth, but continues, "...I will surely show thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake..." And indeed, David showed great kindness. Mephibosheth received all the land of Saul. He went from living in the house of another (without the promise of an inheritance) to receiving all the land which had belong to Saul. And if that were not enough, Mephibosheth would eat bread at the king's table continually. David had taken the grandson of his enemy, and received him as we see in II SAMUEL 9:11,"...as one of the king's sons." In response to this great grace bestowed, what might Mephibosheth say? A million 'Thank yous” would never be sufficient. Rather he says in II SAMUEL 9:8, “...What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?” David's kindness was beyond Mephibosheth's comprehension. The one whom he thought might slay him took him as his own son. The reference to a "dead dog" is a word picture depicting something repulsive and disgusting. Mephibosheth understood that he was by no means worthy of the grace that had been given him.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR US? Let me say frankly, we were all “dead dogs” before the Lord! Paul says in EPHESIANS 2:1-3, that we “...were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the child- ren of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” Though we all at one point have fit this description, as we have walk in our own path, the writer continues, in EPHESIANS 2:4-5, "But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love where with He loved us, even when we were dead in sins,hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved), and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." We were much like Mephibosheth, removed from our inheritance. And the Lord, has shown His kindness by restoring us to Himself through Christ Jesus. In ROMANS 8:17, Paul tells us that we have become "...joint heirs with Christ...". Not only have we received an inheritance, but we are called to sit at the King's table. Jesus said in REVELATION 3:20, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear My voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with Me.". Again, the Lord said in JOHN 6:51, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.". Notice the great promise of the Lord in LUKE 22:29-30, “And I ap-point unto you a kingdom, as My Father hath ap- pointed unto Me. That ye may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom...” David called for Mephibosheth. He came, and he received a wonderful inheritance and a place at the king's table. The Lord calls us to come, that we might receive a greater inheritance, and a place at the table of the King of Kings. Will you heed His call, obey His word, and obtain the promise? Have you heeded his call? If not, won’t you see and under- stand the awful dreadful spiritual state you are in out- side the Lord. Understand the eternal death that awaits should you leave this earth in a lost condition. The blood of Jesus is the only way one spiritually dead,(dead in trespasses and sins) can be made alive. His blood can only be contacted in obedience to His Gospel.

JOHNNY WEBB