2 Sam. 19:24-30 HOW TO LOVE THE KING
Intro: This is one of those obscure passages in the Old Testament that
often doesn't receive much attention. In these verses, we witness the reunion of David and
a man who loved the king more than his own life. In these few Old Testament verses, there
is a valuable lesson for the children of God in any age. You see, by the testimony of this
man named Mephibosheth, we are given a clear cut example of how we, God's redeemed
children, are to love the Lord Jesus Christ.
Now, it's a fact that we speak of our love for the Lord often. However,
I fear that we do not demonstrate that love for Jesus as we should. That is the focus of
the message. If we learn nothing else, let us grasp the truth that we serve a risen Lord
who is worthy of all the love and devotion that we can give to His glorious Name. Please
join me as we look together at the trials and triumphs of this man named Mephibosheth and
what he teaches us about How To Love The King.
I. LOVE HIM WITH ABSOLUTE DEVOTION
(Ill. Mephibosheth demonstrates his devotion to King David in various
ways in verses 24, 26, 27, 28, 30. Let's see if we can come to understand the root of this
all-consuming devotion that Mephibosheth showed for David.)
A. The Cause Of His Devotion - The reason
Mephibosheth was so devoted to David can be seen in what David had done for him, 2 Sam.
9:1-13; 2 Sam. 19:28) As the son of Jonathon, Mephibosheth was in line to ascend to the
throne of Saul. In reality, he was a rival to David for the office of King. Yet, David,
instead of acting with justice and executing Mephibosheth, as he had other members of
Saul's family, extended grace to this little, crippled man. David had ever right to kill
Mephibosheth, but because of his great love for Jonathon, he spared Mephibosheth's life, 2
Sam. 9:3; 1 Sam. 20:15.
(Ill. When the child of God stops and ponders just what God has done for
him through Jesus, it is plain to see that we have more than abundant reason to love Him
with ever fiber of our beings. John reminds us that our love for Jesus is rooted in the
fact that Jesus first loved us, 1 John 4:19. Yet, we need to dig a little more deeply!
Think of what you were and how you have sinned against the Lord God. If you and I got what
we deserved this morning, we would all be in Hell right now. If we received justice, we
would have been forever separated from the presence of God. However, through Jesus, we
have received grace, Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 5:20. Now, because the Lord loved us to the extent
that He willingly sent His Son to die for our sins, Rom. 5:6-8, and because He willingly
reached out to us when we were dead in sin and couldn't get to Him on our own, Eph. 2:1;
John 6:44, it is apparent that we owe Him a debt of love and devotion. When we stop and
think that Jesus willingly suffered all that He did just so we might be saved by grace, it
stirs the heart! If it doesn't move the soul to love and to worship before the Lord, then
there is a problem at the heart of your Christian experience. True love for Jesus is
always born of a sure realization of what He has done for the child of God.)
B. The Course Of His Devotion - Mephibosheth's
great love for David translated into a life of service and devotion. Because he loved the
king, it showed in his life. Mephibosheth lived a life of total devotion and absolute
faithfulness toward the king.
(Ill. When a child of God genuinely loves the Lord with his entire
being, it will show in his life. In other words, you won't have to run around saying,
"I love the Lord!" It won't need to be said, because it will be clearly seen in
everything you do. It will be seen in your prayer life, your attention to Scripture, your
attendance upon the worship of the Lord, your witnessing life, your manner of life. All I
am saying is that when we are in love with Jesus, whole heartedly, it cannot be hidden. It
will tell on you! What does your life say about your love for the Lord?)
I. Love Him With Absolute Devotion
II. LOVE HIM WITH ABSOLUTE DEDICATION
(Ill. There are 3 ways in which Mephibosheth demonstrated his dedication
to King David, these traits ought to be seen in God's children.)
A. Mephibosheth Forsook The World - As the
grandson of Saul, and with the political turmoil evident in the nation of Israel,
Mephibosheth had every right to lay claim to the throne of the land. Yet, because he love
the king, he refused to get caught up in the affairs of the world. He placed his devotion
to the king ahead of any selfish ambitions that he may have possessed.
(Ill. What a lesson for the church! There is always a danger that our
connection with the world will override our dedication to Jesus. The child of God must
always beware lest the cares of this world steal our love for Jesus - 1 John 2:15. We
engage ourselves in activities that aren't necessarily sinful. Such as, making a living.
Nothing wrong with that, in fact, the Bible tells us that those who do not provide for
their families are worse than infidels. However, when the desire for more eclipses our
desire for God ,then we are in trouble. Nothing wrong with resting, but when that
overrides our desire to worship, then we are in danger of falling. Nothing wrong with
recreation, but when it takes us away from the presence of the Lord, then we are in
trouble there too. We have to live in this world, there is no escaping that truth.
However, when the world begins to live in us, it will quickly overshadow our love for the
Lord. When allow ourselves the luxury of moving toward the world, it won't be long until
we are more like the world that we are the Lord who bought us.)
(Ill. Lot and his gradual move toward Sodom.
1. He Looked Toward Sodom - Gen. 13:10
2. He Leaned Toward Sodom - Gen. 13:13
3. He Lived In Sodom - Gen. 19:1
4. He Lingered In Sodom - Gen. 19:16
5. He Lost in Sodom - Gen. 19:14; 26; 31-38)
(Ill. You can mark it down Christian. You can play around the edge all
you want, but there will come a day when you will cross the line. When that day comes,
please remember that this preacher told you that sin will brings its own club - Pro.
13:15. If you don't believe me, just ask Samson - Judges 16:21. If you did, he'd tell you
that sin will blind you, bind you and grind you!)
B. Mephibosheth Forgot Himself - According to
verse 24, the entire time David was away, a period of several months, Mephibosheth
neglected himself in what was a display of mourning for David' return.
(Ill. Again, there is a lesson here for the child of God. The lesson is
that our will is to be swallowed up in the will of the Lord. We are to come to the place
where we lose sight of ourselves and of our own interests and become consumed with and
focused on the Lord Jesus Christ - Heb. 12:2. This is the essence of true cross-bearing,
Matt. 16:24. We simply reach the place in our Christian experience where Jesus becomes
more important that we are. In other words, Jesus becomes so real and so great in our
vision that we actually lose sight of our selves and wind up sacrificing our entire being
on the altar of His glory and will.)
(Ill. When this is true in your life and mine, there will be no denying
who is Lord and Master. If we are truly the servants of God, that is, His slaves, then we
will realize that we have no rights beyond those He extends to us in His grace.)
C. Mephibosheth Followed The King - (Ill. Please
remember that this man is a cripple - 2 Sam. 4:4; 9:3. When David had to leave Jerusalem
because of Absalom's rebellion, Mephibosheth tried to go to David. However, a wicked
servant named Ziba deceived Mephibosheth and went to David alone. He tried to discredit
his master before the king, 2 Sam. 16:1-4. Yet, Mephibosheth gave his heart to the task of
following the king!)
(Ill. True dedication manifests itself in a life that wholeheartedly
follows the Lord Jesus Christ. It doesn't worry about the cost or the consequences. It is
enough that the Lord has saved that sinner and has called him to follow. He is willing to
leave all behind and follow the Lord wherever he leads. Such was the case with Abraham -
Gen. 12:1-4; with Peter, Andrew, James and John - Matt. 4:18-22. True devotion doesn't ask
why, how, where, what or when. True dedication to the Lord Jesus simply responds by
saying, "Yes".)
(Ill. Has the Lord been dealing with you about doing something for Him?
Have you been putting it off? Don't fool around with the call of God! If He is leading you
to do something for His glory, whether it be preach, witness or even something as mundane
as beginning to tithe, don't put it off! Step up today and tell the Lord, "Because I
love you, I will do what you are asking me to do. I will let you wok out the details. I am
simply making myself available to you for your work and for your glory.")
I. Love Him With Absolute Devotion
II. Love Him With Absolute Dedication
III. LOVE HIM WITH ABSOLUTE DELIGHT
(Mephibosheth looked rough on the outside, but his heart was glowing
with the love he had for David. In this, he sets and example for those of us who claim to
know the Lord Jesus. By his witness, he shows us what we are to be doing while we wait for
our king to return. I don't know if you have noticed it or not, but we are in much the
same shape as Mephibosheth. Our King, Jesus, the One who died for us is in Heaven with His
Father. The day is coming, and soon, when He will return to this earth and will be seen by
His children. Notice the attitudes that need to fill our hearts as we wait for him to come
back.)
A. He Looked For The King - (Ill. It is apparent
from the story the Mephibosheth lived with the anticipation of the king's return to
Jerusalem. It consumed his thoughts and controlled his life! (Ill. V. 24) He spent his
days waiting to hear the heralds declare the news, "The king is coming!"
(Ill. May I remind you this morning that our King, the Lord Jesus, is
also returning one day? He is coming, John 14:3; Rev. 22:20a, and we are to be looking for
that time when He will return, Matt. 25:13. I am longing for the day when we hear that
heavenly shout and the trumpet of God - 1 Thes. 4:16-17; 1 Cor. 15:51-52. My soul yearns
to hear the "Midnight Cry", when it shall be said, "Behold, the Bridegroom
cometh, go ye out to meet Him." That is the day I am living for. The day when I will
take a "plain air ride" to a better country and cheap the undertaker at the same
time!)
(The question you face today is this, "Are you ready to meet
Him?" If not, you can be if you will come to Him and receive Him into your heart and
life.)
B. He Longed For The King - (Ill. Mephibosheth
exhibited all the classic sign of being in mourning for David. His hearts desire was to
see the King once again. This is proven by his statement in verse 30. He didn't care about
his land or his money, all he cared for was to see the face of the king.)
(Ill. This ought to describe every heart of every Christian here today.
Is there a burning desire in your heart to see and be with the Lord? This was the attitude
of John while on Patmos - Rev. 22:20b. It was also the desire of the Apostle Paul - Titus
2:13. Does this describe our heart today? Is there a strong desire to see the Lord and be
with Him. This has been the attitude of the saints for centuries. David felt this way -
Psa. 42:1-2. Are you longing for King Jesus this morning? If so, rest assured that one
day, your desires will come true and you will see Him face to face.)
C. He Loved The King - (Ill. Mephibosheth truly
loved David. He proved this when he made the comments found in verse 27. Mephibosheth was
willing to entrust the king to make all the right decisions concerning him. In other
words, Mephibosheth was will to live and walk by faith.)
(Ill. Nothing proves love or Jesus like a life that is surrendered to
the will of God come what may. This was the heart of Job - Job 13:15. And, it must be the
heart of every child of God this morning. Do you love Him enough to trust Him with your
very life? If you cannot trust Him to do right by you here and now, how can you trust Him
to save your soul?)
D. He Looked Upon The King - (Ill. Mephibosheth
lived long enough to see his desire become reality. He got to see the king when he
returned. I am sure it wasn't all that he intended, Ill. David's rebuff in verse 29, but
Mephibosheth cared for nothing but the fact that he was now with his king!
(Ill. Just as Mephibosheth's dream became a reality, so shall ours. One
glorious day, we will stand in the presence of the One who climbed Calvary's Hill. To
redeem our souls from a devil's Hell. We will see His face and we will worship Him in the
beauty of holiness. Our day will come - 1 Thes. 4:16-18; Rev. 22:4. The glory of Heaven
will be none of the things we long for, the glory of Heaven will be the opportunity to see
Jesus face to face. Ill. "What A Day That Will Be")
Conc: Are you saved this morning? If not, then you do not know the King.
The first step for you is coming to Him and asking Him into your heart to be your personal
Savior. If you will come before Him, I promise you that He will save your soul and that He
will forgive you of all your sins. He will give you a new life and will prepare you a home
in Heaven where you too will spend a perfect eternity in His presence. All that if you
will come and receive Him.
If you are saved, then allow me to inquire as to the state of your
relationship with the Lord Jesus. Is it all that it should be? Does your life demonstrate
genuine devotion, dedication and delight in serving the Lord? If not, then Jesus allows us
the great opportunity to begin again. If you will come to Him and confess your failures,
He will forgive you and restore you to the place of blessing. I am certain that you want
to do the right thing, and the right thing is coming before the Lord Jesus and letting Him
have your life fully and completely. If you will do this, He will take you, bless you and
use you for His glory.
The choice is your today! What will you do with this message the Lord
has sent your way? Your answer may determine the course of you eternity. It will certainly
determine the course of your life. Make the right choice today.
