INTRODUCTION: There are two major characters we want to consider in this message. First- We want to look at King David- the man after God’s own heart. He knew and applied God’s grace in his life. David was a type of Christ showing the kindness of God’ grace V.3. Secondly- We want to look at Mephiboseth- the crippled who serves as an illustration of God’s grace to fallen sinners. Cf. Eph. 2:8-9
I. GOD’S KIND GRACE SEEKS US WHERE WE’RE AT. Romans 10:10-12,23 A. We were fallen in sin. 1. Let us look at the spiritual resemblance between Mephibosheth’s condition (lame on his feet) and our spiritual condition. 2. Just as Mephibosheth once walked with his father-so man originally walked with God. 3. But sin came and man suffered a fall which left him as a permanent spiritual cripple, alienated from God. Cf. Romans 5:12 B. We were far from God. 1. In v.4, David asked where Mephibosheth was- he was in Lodebar, an obscure village, for fear because of his lineage, he could be put to death by King David. 2. Due to our lineage from our father, Adam, we deserved God’s condemnation and judgment. C. We were fearful of God. Vs. 5-7 1. Fear is the constant terrifying feeling of a person outside of Christ – afraid of death, hell, meeting God. Cf. Rev. 20:15, Heb. 10:27
II. GOD’S KIND GRACE BRINGS US TO THE VERY PRESENCE OF THE KING. A. Grace brings acceptance in the beloved. V.7 1. I Sam. 20:13-17- Mephibosheth found that he was accepted by David because of David’s beloved friend Jonathan. 2. Ephesians 1:5-6- It is for the sake of Christ that God has accepted us-saved us. Cf. II Cor.5:21, Eph. 4:32-5:2 B. Grace brings blessings beyond all measure. V.7 1. David restores all the land of Saul for Mephibosheth and had him eat at his table continually. Cf. Vs.9-13 2. Jesus came to give us life and have it more abundantly. John 10:10, Psalm 84:11
III. GOD’S KIND GRACE KEEPS US, PRESERVES US FOR THE KING’S RETURN. II SAMUEL 19:24-30 A. Grace keeps us living loyally in His absence. 1. Mephibosheth was loyal to David- and his lifestyle reflected it. 2. We only serve our Lord Jesus Christ- giving our time, our talent, our service, our heart- Cf. Daniel 3:12-18. B. Grace keeps us longing for His return. 1. Mephibosheth expressed his love and loyalty to David because of all the things that David did for him. 2. To us Christians, our love, our loyalty, our service to Him is far beyond important than anything this world can give- Galatians 2:20.
CONCLUSION: If you have forgotten His grace and drifted into the world, His grace is seeking you- to bring you back to His presence and to keep you for His return.