The King’s Mercy (2 Samuel #14)

David’s next priority as king is to fulfill his promise to Jonathan. He’s going to go on a search for any of Jonathan’s descendants whom he can show kindness to. We’re going to see a picture of a sinner and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

David wants to show kindness for Jonathan’s sake (vss 1-4)

  • David will honor Mephibosheth for Jonathan’s sake. That is why God the Father honors sinners, it is for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ.
    • The Father sends out the Holy Spirit looking for sinners to show kindness to for Jesus’ sake.
    • God’s kindness honors Jesus Christ
  • David’s kindness is God’s kindness. And it’s not like man’s kindness.
    • The kindness of God… (vs 3)
    • Proverbs 19:22 The desire of a man is his kindness. People are kind when they want something.
    • God’s kindness is an end in itself. He’s kind because he’s kind. He’s not kind because he needs anything from you.
  • David’s kindness to a lame man
    • Mephibosheth was lame on his feet from a fall (2 Samuel 4:4). He was dropped by someone who was supposed to help him.
    • The human race was crippled in sin from a fall.

David seeks that which is lost (vss 5-6)

  • From Lodebar which means “no pasture” – wondering, no rest.
  • Lodebar is a desert. There is nothing. Mephibosheth is in hiding.
  • King’s entourage pulls into town but goes past all the nice buildings. They head just out of town to a little village.
  • David, like the LORD, comes to seek and to save that which was lost.

David speaks comfortably to Mephibosheth (vss 7-8)

  • Mephibosheth is scared for his life.
    • There is great conviction in Mephibosheth and David speaks kindly to him.
    • Just like the Lord to find a sinner and speak kindly to him.
  • David speaks comfortably to humble Mephibosheth.
    • David says, Son, I’ve got some stories to tell you.
    • God speaks comfortably to the humble sinner.

David restores what was lost (vss 9-13)

  • I have given unto thy master’s son all that pertained to Saul… (vs 9)
  • That thy master’s son may have food to eat… (vs 10)
  • Thy master’s son shall eat bread alway at my table… (vs 10)
  • Relationship (vss 11-13)
    • Mephibosheth is now related to the king.
    • Eternal life, eternal promises.
  • The Lord supplies what was lost in sin.