10.17.10 Comm

Sermon Date: Oct. 17, 2010

Sermon Title: I Am Second

Sermon Text: 2 Samuel 9:1-13

Small Group Text: 2 Samuel 9:1-13 & Matt. 25:31-46 A Commitment made Read 2 Samuel 9:1-13. King David had finally subdued his enemies, secured the throne and settled into the business of uniting the kingdom of Israel and expanding it’s boarders. It was at this time that he recalled a commitment made many years earlier to his friend, Jonathan, son of his archrival, king Saul. Jonathan had realized a dynasty shift would soon transpire as God was delivering his father’s throne into David’s hands – which prompted Jonathan to ask…

But show me unfailing kindness like that of the Lord as long as I live, so that I may not be killed, [15] and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family—not even when the Lord has cut off every one of David's enemies from the face of the earth." [16] So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "May the Lord call David's enemies to account." [17] And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself. [42] Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, 'The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.' " Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town. 1 Samuel 20:14-17; 42

This was not a casual agreement between two friends. It was a covenant ratified by the Lord (vs. 42). The foundation for this covenant of “unfailing kindness like that of the Lord” was based in David’s primary commitment to God. He was obliged to express love and compassion toward Jonathan’s family because of the relationship that existed between God and David.

What commitment do we have?

Do we have such an obligation to show “unfailing kindness like that of the Lord?” Of course we do! The Son of God took the initiative to seek and to save that which was lost – a ruined humanity of which we are members. Because of God’s mercy toward us – our having received His great salvation – we are united with Christ in a covenant relationship so that our hearts have become one with his heart. Now Christ’s commitment to love and care for the desperate needs of people has become our own pledge – lived out in the lives of believers. We are Jesus’ eye, ears, hands, and feet. By His Spirit, we minister to those in desperate need. And it is the daily application of this merciful love that proves we have experienced the love of God in our hearts.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. [8] Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

And note: it’s one thing to love in word only. It’s quite another to love through active deeds.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. [17] If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? [18] Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? [15] Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. [16] If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? [17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:14-17

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Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

[18] Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

1 Tim. 6:17-18

A Commitment remembered Years had past, but the commitment to “show God's kindness" still resided in David’s heart (2 Sam. 9:1-3). Through his own trials and tribulations, David had been on the receiving end of God’s mercy. Because the Spirit of God was active in his life, David desired to express the great kindness God had instilled in his heart toward people in need of merciful assistance. In this way, David proved himself to be “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14) It was common practice – even among good and wise kings – to annihilate any remnant of the former royal dynasty in the effort to prevent a descendant from usurping the throne.

But, in fulfillment of a commitment – “That I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake…,” David began to seek out survivors of Jonathan’s family to whom he could show kindness; and what he found was pathetic. In an obscure part of the country, across the Jordan River, there lived a lone survivor by the name of Mephibosheth (meh FIB oh sheth) who’s broken life had become a series of setbacks and disappointments.

Mephibosheth was only 5 years old when his father, Jonathan, and grandfather, king Saul, were killed by the Philistines on the field of battle at Jezreel. Fearing that the Philistines would sweep down upon the royal residence, a terrified nurse had fled with Mephibosheth in her arms. But in haste, she stumbled and dropped the boy, crippling him in both feet (2 Samuel 4:4).

Orphaned and crippled, Mephibosheth was carried to the land of Gilead, where he was raised by a man named Machir (MAY kihr). But for all practical purposes, his life and affairs were controlled by Ziba (ZIGH buh), a former servant of his grandfather, king Saul (2 Samuel 9:2). Under Ziba’s stewardship, Mephibosheth had become poor and destitute while Ziba had mysteriously grown prosperous (2 Samuel 9:9-10).

It is interesting to note how life circumstances can frame a person’s self-image.

Read 2 Samuel 9:8 and feel the despair and sense of worthlessness behind Mephibosheth’s self-deprecating language: Mephibosheth bowed down and said, "What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?" 2 Samuel 9:8 In early Hebrew culture, to be called a dog was a most derisive term. The only thing more contemptuous than a dog would be a dead dog on the side of road. The misfortunes of his life has taken a toll on Mephibosheth’s self-esteem. He was orphaned as a little child and became disabled through a crippling accident. His wealth seems to have been embezzled by conniving stewards relegating him to live penniless and in constant fear of annihilation by the new king. Here was a man destitute of hope and needing someone to lift him out of his despair.

Are we remembering our commitment to show love and compassion?

David seems to have forgotten his commitment to Jonathan over time, but finally it came to mind and he immediately acted upon the remembrance of it. It’s a good thing to be reminded of our commitment and obligation to love– especially if we’ve been neglectful.

Better late than never! And for those of us who are especially blessed, David has set an example that we not wait for the more desperate needs to come knocking – usually they don’t. They typically remain obscured and distant, like Mephibosheth, suffering in quiet despair and hopelessness. These are the most pitiable people of all – who have no one to help them – and don’t even know how to ask. (Eccl. 4:10). True Godliness will feel a holyagitation until this commitment has been fulfilled. Based on Christ’s faithfulness to us; let us not be slow to help those in the most desperate circumstances.

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A Commitment kept In a turn of events, David restored Mephibosheth’s property and assets, instructing Ziba, his 15 sons and 20 servants to not only manage the estate but to consider Mephibosheth as David’s own son (9:9-11). Subsequently, Mephibosheth became a wealthy property owner with a large number of servants. In addition to this, provisions were made for Mephibosheth to dine at David's dinner table every day for the rest of his life – as if he were family (9:11-13). This quality of kindness demonstrated the power of keeping the commitment of loyal love – even if the promise has been overlooked for a while. But once remembered, the covenant has to be fulfilled: Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. James 4:17 What are we actually doing to live like Christ in this regard? (Matt 5:16) Imagine a city – like Miami – where a spirit of “unfailing kindness like that of the Lord” was intentionally poured out by a few hundred highly motivated believers. What if, following David’s example, they were to overtly reach out to the oppressed – whether disabled or lonely or ill or unemployed? All over the city, despair would give way to hope and distress to peace. David’s fulfillment of his commitment to Jonathan is a graphic illustration of what can happen when we reach beyond our immediate social contexts to relieve a suffering unfamiliar to us.

What are some ways we might exercise this plan in our community? The need is great.

There are so many: orphans, widows/widowers, prisoners, the brokenhearted, diseased, suffering, hungry, poor, empty, lonely, homeless, and dying. Perhaps we, as Christfollowers, need to “recall” our commitment – being reminded of the commandments Jesus underscored as the greatest: Love your neighbor as yourself.' Matthew 22:39 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col. 3:12 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; [6] and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; [7] and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 2 Peter 1:5-7

To help people who’s needs are blatantly apparent is a good thing. But better yet, like David, to actually search out people in need of compassion is another level of love altogether. As Christ-follower, we are to live lives of aggressive service – taking the initiative to minister to those in desperate need – to lift their spirits and inform them that they are not “dead dogs” but worthy people loved by God. This is the strong message of 2 Samuel 9:1-13

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