“Grace Extended” • 2.12.08 • Autonomy, Authority And The Man Of God, Session # 21
Intro.
- We have seen the establishment of David as the King over Israel. Now in chapter 8, we see the scope of his Kingdom.
- In this chapter, he defeats the Philistines, the Moabites, the Syrians who came to the aid of Hadedezer, the Ammonites and the Edomites.
- In this chapter, he defeats the Philistines, the Moabites, the Syrians who came to the aid of Hadedezer, the Ammonites and the Edomites.
• II Samuel 8:6 : “And David made himself a name when he returned from killing eighteen thousand Syrians in the Valley of Salt. He also put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became David's servants. And the Lord preserved David wherever he went.”
- David’s Kingdom, militarily was very strong, and the position he was in was soon to be the zenith of his Kingdom.
- Now, with his enemies at bay and his cabinet in place, David turns his attention to more gracious activities. Chapter 9 begins with an inquiry.
- Now, with his enemies at bay and his cabinet in place, David turns his attention to more gracious activities. Chapter 9 begins with an inquiry.
• II Samuel 9:1 : “Now David said, ‘Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?’”
- David learns of the existence of Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. David brings Mephibosheth before him, and treats him in a wonderful way.
• II Samuel 9:7 : “So David said to him, ‘Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.’”
- David sets up Mephibosheth with a house that will be kept by Saul’s servant Ziba and his sons, and chapter 9 ends with a recap.
• II Samuel 9:12,13 : “Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Micha. And all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth. So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king's table. And he was lame in both his feet.”
- Having talked about grace in theory over the last two weeks, we come now to a chapter where grace is extended in practice. What we see here is God’s grace extended through David.
- God makes David a vehicle by which grace is personified toward Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth is the perfect type of a grace recepticle. Think about the type.
- Mephibosheth has no future, for he is the son of a defeated King.
- He has no living, as he is permanently disabled being lame in both feet.
- Grace is shown and it’s a perfect picture in that it comes from the only one that can have grace, David.
- God makes David a vehicle by which grace is personified toward Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth is the perfect type of a grace recepticle. Think about the type.
- Mephibosheth has no future, for he is the son of a defeated King.
- He has no living, as he is permanently disabled being lame in both feet.
- Grace is shown and it’s a perfect picture in that it comes from the only one that can have grace, David.
- Yes, it’s a beautiful picture of how the King of Kings has been gracious to each one of us, who had nothing to offer Him, and yet He offered all that He is to us, namely by redeeming us with His own blood. That is the first type.
- However, as we discussed last week, grace is given to us as men and then we are to show what we have learned by living that grace out, extending it to others.
- That’s what I see here this week. What are the signs of that grace?
- However, as we discussed last week, grace is given to us as men and then we are to show what we have learned by living that grace out, extending it to others.
- That’s what I see here this week. What are the signs of that grace?
I. Grace Is Kindness (v.1)
II. Grace Is Restorative (v.7-9)
III. Grace Is Kinship (v.11-13)
TextII. Grace Is Restorative (v.7-9)
III. Grace Is Kinship (v.11-13)
I. Grace Is Kindness (v.1)
• II Samuel 9:1 : “Now David said, ‘Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’” : David, now fully established as King, with peace on every side, has the opportunity to make good on his promise to Jonathan, made some 20 years earlier.
- David’s heart is overflowing, having himself been the recipient of great grace.
- This action on the surface, sure seems simple, but consider the dynamics involved.
- David’s Kingdom had come at the expense of the house of Saul. Saul’s descendants would have had claim to the throne and could set themselves up, as Ishbosheth had attempted.
- To make any member of a rival family welcome in one’s royal presence was unheard of.
- In fact, most Kings would utter this sentence, “Is there anyone left,” not to show kindness but rather retribution. David however was motivated by love for and a promise that He made to Jonathan.
- Jonathan and David had made this covenant together when David was just beginning to realize that Saul had determined ill against David.
- This action on the surface, sure seems simple, but consider the dynamics involved.
- David’s Kingdom had come at the expense of the house of Saul. Saul’s descendants would have had claim to the throne and could set themselves up, as Ishbosheth had attempted.
- To make any member of a rival family welcome in one’s royal presence was unheard of.
- In fact, most Kings would utter this sentence, “Is there anyone left,” not to show kindness but rather retribution. David however was motivated by love for and a promise that He made to Jonathan.
- Jonathan and David had made this covenant together when David was just beginning to realize that Saul had determined ill against David.
• I Samuel 20:14-17 : “And you shall not only show me the kindness of the Lord while I still live, that I may not die; but you shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever, no, not when the Lord has cut off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth.’ So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, ‘Let the Lord require it at the hand of David’s enemies.’ Now Jonathan again caused David to vow, because he loved him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul.”
- Here, long after Jonathan’s death, David fulfills his promise, and it’s a promise of kindness.
- Kindness, mercy, goodness, all toward a man whose Grandfather had hunted, and sought the very life of David.
- Kindness is a gracious trait, a discernible piece of evidence, given to believers who are under the authority of God’s Spirit.
- Kindness, mercy, goodness, all toward a man whose Grandfather had hunted, and sought the very life of David.
- Kindness is a gracious trait, a discernible piece of evidence, given to believers who are under the authority of God’s Spirit.
• Galatians 5:22,23 : “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
- It is not just to be a part of our character, but practiced in our actions as believers.
- Paul is explaining this reality to the church of Colosse.
- Paul is explaining this reality to the church of Colosse.
• Colossians 3:12,13 : “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
- Grace extended out through me, should be seen in kind actions toward my brothers.
II. Grace Is Restorative (v.7-9)
• II Samuel 9:7-9 : “So David said to him, ‘Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.’ Then he bowed himself, and said, ‘What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?’ And the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, ‘I have given to your master’s son all that belonged to Saul and to all his house.’” : Mephibosheth has been brought in before King David.- There is no doubt that Mephibosheth either was unaware or untrusting toward David.
- David had to tell him not to fear, which would have been normal for any man in his circumstances. But David does not want him to fear. He simply wants to bless him.
- Can I stop here and suggest that there are people who come to us that are fearful as well? We are Christians and they are not. They are coming in full weakness and fear of what we are going to say or feel about them.
- They know that they have sinned and felt the sting of shame. They perhaps come to us with their scenarios, and I am ashamed to say that instead of saying “Do not fear,” I have said, “You wretch! You deserve the wrath of God upon you for your evil doings!”
- David wants to dispense grace and mercy toward Mephibosheth, but how often we want to dispense punishment and wrath toward people.
- The disciples of Jesus were quick to have a non-merciful, destructive attitude toward people.
- At one point, having been offended by a group of Samaritans, James and John, the “Sons of Thunder,” asked Jesus if He wanted them to call down fire from heaven so as to consume them!”
- David had to tell him not to fear, which would have been normal for any man in his circumstances. But David does not want him to fear. He simply wants to bless him.
- Can I stop here and suggest that there are people who come to us that are fearful as well? We are Christians and they are not. They are coming in full weakness and fear of what we are going to say or feel about them.
- They know that they have sinned and felt the sting of shame. They perhaps come to us with their scenarios, and I am ashamed to say that instead of saying “Do not fear,” I have said, “You wretch! You deserve the wrath of God upon you for your evil doings!”
- David wants to dispense grace and mercy toward Mephibosheth, but how often we want to dispense punishment and wrath toward people.
- The disciples of Jesus were quick to have a non-merciful, destructive attitude toward people.
- At one point, having been offended by a group of Samaritans, James and John, the “Sons of Thunder,” asked Jesus if He wanted them to call down fire from heaven so as to consume them!”
• Luke 9:55,56 : “But He turned and rebuked them, and said, ‘You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.’ And they went to another village.”
- “Don’t fear, I am here to dispense grace, not judgment toward you!”
- And here is this grace: It’s a full restoration of all the land that belonged to Saul.
- All the land, all that belonged to Saul was now placed in the hands of Mephibosheth.
- He came in with nothing, expecting a certain doom, and David rained down treasure and goodness toward Him.
- God’s grace is restorative. If it’s expression is through us, our hearts should follow in that same vein. Toward the sinner, our heart should be to restore him to the fellowship that Christ died to make a possibility for Him.
- And toward the brothers and sisters, with whom we share the glory of the hope of salvation, how much more are we to be restorative agents of God’s grace.
- And here is this grace: It’s a full restoration of all the land that belonged to Saul.
- All the land, all that belonged to Saul was now placed in the hands of Mephibosheth.
- He came in with nothing, expecting a certain doom, and David rained down treasure and goodness toward Him.
- God’s grace is restorative. If it’s expression is through us, our hearts should follow in that same vein. Toward the sinner, our heart should be to restore him to the fellowship that Christ died to make a possibility for Him.
- And toward the brothers and sisters, with whom we share the glory of the hope of salvation, how much more are we to be restorative agents of God’s grace.
• Galatians 6:1 : “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”
- In the Greek language, the word restore is an interesting one. It comes from the Greek word that means to mend. Like a broken bone, out of place and causing great pain, so is the brother who has sinned and fallen from grace.
- He needs to receive the mending power of God’s Word, applied to His situation that He might go from a broken state, to a state where he is again fully functional.
- A wonderful picture of this is seen in the book of Job, who was seen a restorer by his friends.
- He needs to receive the mending power of God’s Word, applied to His situation that He might go from a broken state, to a state where he is again fully functional.
- A wonderful picture of this is seen in the book of Job, who was seen a restorer by his friends.
• Job 4:3,4 : “Surely you have instructed many, And you have strengthened weak hands. Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, And you have strengthened the feeble knees;”
- What an apt picture for those of us who would seek to extend grace to those around us.
III. Grace Is Kinship (v.11-13)
• II Samuel 9:11-13 : “Then Ziba said to the king, ‘According to all that my lord the king has commanded his servant, so will your servant do. As for Mephibosheth,’ said the king, ‘he shall eat at my table like one of the king’s sons.’ Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Micha. And all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth. So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king’s table. And he was lame in both his feet.” : Ziba, the servant of Saul accepted the job of being the caretaker for all of Mephibosheth’s property. No doubt, helping Mephibosheth physically was also included in the deal.- David was kind to Ziba and his kids as well in this deal. He had after all had been Saul’s servant. But the level of grace shown to Mephibosheth was extraordinary.
- David was not just going to leave Mephibosheth in a good land. He was inviting him into the family, opening his own table to Mephibosheth, as if he were a natural born son of David.
- This is truly an exceptional picture of Christ’s work on our behalf. He has taken the initiative to invite us, not just to a peaceful accord, whereby we tolerate each other’s presence, but into a family, where we are accepted by Him.
- David was not just going to leave Mephibosheth in a good land. He was inviting him into the family, opening his own table to Mephibosheth, as if he were a natural born son of David.
- This is truly an exceptional picture of Christ’s work on our behalf. He has taken the initiative to invite us, not just to a peaceful accord, whereby we tolerate each other’s presence, but into a family, where we are accepted by Him.
• Romans 8:14-17 : “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”
- Paul makes the same kind of statement to the people of Galatia. The people of Galatia were battling with legalism and religion, but had missed the point about the law, which was like a teacher to a young heir.
- When the heir is young, he is similar in disposition to a slave, but when he is older, and fulfills the time, he is made heir of a great amount of wealth.
- When the heir is young, he is similar in disposition to a slave, but when he is older, and fulfills the time, he is made heir of a great amount of wealth.
• Galatians 4:3-7 : “Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”
- The term “abba” is a tender term in the Aramaic language. Our closest equivalent might be Daddy, but the term is expressive of an intimate closeness.
- That is what the Lord has done for us and in kind, we are to open ourselves up to one another in the same bond as family in Christ.
- Mephibosheth was always at David’s table, eating the King’s good food and ever welcome, despite his physical condition.
- Does everyone feel that openess from you? They may not and it may not come naturally to you, but I pray as you consider this wonderful topic of grace, that you might open your heart to the possibilities of how God might channel His grace through you.
- That is what the Lord has done for us and in kind, we are to open ourselves up to one another in the same bond as family in Christ.
- Mephibosheth was always at David’s table, eating the King’s good food and ever welcome, despite his physical condition.
- Does everyone feel that openess from you? They may not and it may not come naturally to you, but I pray as you consider this wonderful topic of grace, that you might open your heart to the possibilities of how God might channel His grace through you.
Conclusion
- God’s grace was kind, restorative and adoptive in nature toward David. David responded to grace by mirroring what he had received from God toward Mephibosheth.
- Will you commit yourself to kindness, being good and merciful toward the people that are around you?
- Will you be a restorative agent to those around you who have fallen prey to the enemies ploys and schemes?
- Will you open your heart to another, treating him, being concerned about him, as though he were a member of your own family?
- If you will, you will be practicing the kind of grace that God has had toward you!
- Will you commit yourself to kindness, being good and merciful toward the people that are around you?
- Will you be a restorative agent to those around you who have fallen prey to the enemies ploys and schemes?
- Will you open your heart to another, treating him, being concerned about him, as though he were a member of your own family?
- If you will, you will be practicing the kind of grace that God has had toward you!
1 comment:
1) David’s grace toward Mephibosheth was very kind, especially in light of the context that this was a member of his rival Saul’s household. What parallels can be drawn in our lives today, regarding the type of people that God would have us extend his grace toward? What are some practical steps toward being more kind?
2) David alleviated the fear that Mephibosheth had when he first came into his presence. Do you find or believe that non-Christians are afraid to face Christians because of the fear of rejection? How can we keep ourselves from that kind of attitude towards unbelievers?
3) David’s grace for Mephibosheth mirrored the grace that the Lord had toward David by making Mephibosheth feel like an heir or member of the family. In what ways can we make those around us feel this way around us, metaphorically, but perhaps, even literally speaking?
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