Mephibosheth – An Example Of Inheritance
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesHaving subdued his enemies in 2 Samuel 8:1-18, we now see King David turning his attention to personal matters. 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 “…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.” (1 Samuel 20:14-15).
David’s Inquiry
In view of this vow he had made, David inquires, “Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1). It appears that David did not know of Mephibosheth. When he was five years of age, word came of his father Jonathan’s death. Out of concern for the child’s safety, “…his nurse took him up and fled. And it happened, as she made haste to flee, that he fell and became lame.” (2 Samuel 4:4). At the time of David’s inquiry, Mephibosheth was dwelling “…in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar.” (2 Samuel 9:4).
David Speaks To Mephibosheth
Among the first words David speaks to Mephibosheth are, “Do not fear…” (2 Samuel 9:7). 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. Such conduct had taken place among other nations, and even among the people of God (2 Kings 11:1). However, David had no ill intended for Mephibosheth, but continues, “…I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake ….” David indeed showed great kindness, as Mephibosheth 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” (2 Samuel 9:7). David had taken the grandson of his enemy, and received him “…. like one of the king’s sons” (2 Samuel 9:11 NKJV).
Mephibosheth’s Response
In response to this great grace bestowed, Mephibosheth responds by saying, “What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?” (2 Samuel 9:8). The reference to a “dead dog” is a word picture depicting something repulsive and degrading (cf. 1 Samuel 17:43; 1 Samuel 24:14; 2 Samuel 3:8; 2 Kings 8:13; Proverbs 27:11). David’s kindness was beyond Mephibosheth’s comprehension. The one whom he thought might slay him, took him in as his own son. Mephibosheth fully understood that he was by no means worthy of the grace that had been given him.
We Are All “Dead Dogs”
Brethren, before we became Christians, we were all “dead dogs” before the Lord! Paul says that we “…were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.” (Ephesians 2:1-3 NKJV).
Paul continues, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and 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 in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-5 – NKVJ).
We Were Once Removed From Our Inheritance
Like Mephibosheth, at one time, we were removed from our inheritance. And the Lord, has shown His kindness by restoring us to Himself through Christ Jesus (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18; Ephesians 2:16). In another place, Paul tells us that we have become “…. joint heirs with Christ…” (Romans 8:17 NKJV).
Not only have we received an inheritance, but we are called to sit at the King’s table. Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20).
The Lord’s Calling
Again, our Lord tells us, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51). Hear the great promise of the Lord, “Behold, I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom…” (Luke 22:29-30).
When David called for Mephibosheth, he came and not only received a wonderful inheritance, but a place at the king’s table. Similarly, our Lord calls us to come, that we might receive a greater inheritance (an eternal one – 1 Peter 1:4), and a place at the table of the King of Kings (Revelation 19:16).
Conclusion:
Dear reader, will you not heed His call, obey His word, and obtain the promise of inheritance today? (Romans 10:17; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30; 2 Corinthians 6:1-2).