Root Words | 2 Samuel 9:1-13 “To Kill with Kindness”

In 2 Samuel 9:1-13 we see a story that illustrates what the “kindness of God” looks like. There are two main characters in the passage David and Mephibosheth (the only surviving son of Jonathon Saul’s grandchild.) When we come to the 9th chapter David has been on the throne for close to 15 years and it is clear that David remembered the covenant he made with Jonathan and he understood the goodness that had been given him by the Lord. David asks in response to this, “Are there any family members left from Saul?” He didn’t ask if there were any alive from that he might take vengeance upon them, or eliminate them, but instead that he may show God’s kindness upon them. Remember the context of this in light of David; “Is there any alive from the family of the man who twice tried to kill me with a spear, any alive who robbed me of my wife, who pursued me for 15 years seeking to kill me. Any alive from the man who made my life so miserable that I turned my back upon my God?” Why do you ask David? “Oh, that I may shower God’s loving kindness that I promised my best friend Jonathan.” We are told that David desired to do so for “for Jonathan’s sake” and this reveals that this wasn’t based upon feelings it was because a promise to Jonathan. The desire to bless his enemy’s grandson was based upon a promise made to another. Hey saints, doing what is right based upon our feelings is a slippery slope we must not allow our feelings to dictate to our heart what is right. Our obedience is based upon a promise made to our Friend, Jesus. Now let’s look at this fellow Mephibosheth; pay close attention to him as you find that he fits the profile of the person today whom God desires to distribute His kindness towards.

A. First, his name, Mephibosheth: Came to be recognized as “shameful one”.

B. Second, he was lame in his feet: He had been dropped and the result of the fall had left him lame in both feet. Gone from his memories and hope was that he was the son of a prince and himself an heir to the throne.

C. Third we note his whereabouts: Mephibosheth was living in someone else’s house in area called “barrenness”.

David wants to show the greatness of God and goodness of God but how do you show the world the greatness and of goodness of God? You take a person to demonstrate the love of God towards, one who has been dropped by this world and it has left him crippled and afraid.

“Mephibosheth”! David called out! He had heard his name called many times, but it had been years since he had heard spoken this way with such love and care. David saw in Mephibosheth the resemblance of the man he loved more than a brother. That is God sees when he sees us in our struggle and failure, “Oh I see that one through the eyes of my son.” Have you been dropped, and it has left you crippled? Do you hear Him call your name, He is not angry, He has not come to take your life He has come to save your life and to give you back your life? Saints’ let’s love and reach people like this!

This has been Pastor Dale, BLESSINGS!!!