How does David's kindness in 2 Samuel 9:6 reflect God's grace to us? Setting the Scene - David is now king over Israel, firmly established in Jerusalem. - Remembering his covenant with Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:14-17), he searches for any surviving member of Saul’s line to “show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake” (2 Samuel 9:1). - Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled son (2 Samuel 4:4), is living in obscurity at Lo-debar when summoned. Key Verse 2 Samuel 9:6: “When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he fell facedown in reverence. ‘Mephibosheth!’ said David. ‘At your service,’ he replied.” Understanding David’s Action - Initiative of the king: David is the seeker, not Mephibosheth. - Undeserved favor: Mephibosheth belongs to Saul’s fallen house—once an enemy line—but David extends kindness, not retribution. - Fear dispelled: “Do not be afraid” (v. 7). The king’s words remove terror of judgment. - Full restoration: “I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul” (v. 7). - Ongoing fellowship: “You will always eat at my table.” Mephibosheth moves from exile to continual intimacy with the king. Parallels to God’s Grace - God seeks us first • Luke 19:10—“The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” • Like David, God initiates rescue when we are spiritually “in Lo-debar.” - Grace to former enemies • Romans 5:10—“While we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son.” • David’s kindness mirrors divine mercy toward those once opposed to His kingdom. - Kindness rooted in covenant • David acts “for the sake of your father Jonathan.” God acts “for the sake of Christ,” the Mediator of the new covenant (Hebrews 9:15). - Fear removed • 1 John 4:18—“Perfect love drives out fear.” • David says, “Do not be afraid”; God invites, “Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). - Restoration and inheritance • Ephesians 1:11—“In Him we were also chosen….” • Like Mephibosheth receiving Saul’s fields, believers receive every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). - Adopted to the table • Ephesians 2:13, 19—formerly far off, now “members of God’s household.” • Continuous table fellowship hints at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). Personal Takeaways - God’s grace is proactive; He comes for us before we can come to Him (Ephesians 2:4-9). - Our past failures, limitations, or “crippled” condition do not disqualify us from His kindness (Titus 3:3-7). - We live daily at the King’s table—accepted, provided for, and welcomed—because of a covenant sealed by Christ’s blood, not by our merit. Living in Response - Rest in the security of His invitation. - Walk in gratitude, reflecting the same undeserved kindness to others (Matthew 10:8). |
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