One feels that many of the readers of Gospel Gleanings are more or less acquainted with the narrative recorded in the second book of Samuel, Chapter 9. The more closely one looks into it, the more are we convinced that King David was a man after God’s own heart. He truly proved it in the case in question, and broke pall rules and regulations in order to show kindness to one who was an outcast and a stranger and who was lame on both his feet.
David’s love for Jonathan was great indeed, because Jonathan not only stripped himself of all that was valuable to give it to David, but he loved him as his own soul, and, in fact, jeopardized his life for his sake. They had covenanted before the Lord to serve each other, and were therefore knit together in the bonds of tender affection. When David heard of his death, he lamented with a great lamentation, and said, “Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided.” And again, “I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant hast thou been to me. Thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women” (Chap. 1). Here, therefore, was a cause why King David should show kindness to Jonathan’s son; but herein the type falls short, when we think of God’s great kindness to His very enemies. Is it not written in the Psalms, “Because thy loving kindness is better than life: my lips shall praise thee?” and again, “How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings” (Psalms 63: 3 and 36:7).
We see, however, in Mephibosheth, a striking type of the way a sinner is brought into the presence of God; and that is where we want every unsaved one who reads this to be brought I First then, let us consider King David, who sought to show the kindness of God. He thought of the house of Saul. He was anxious to show the kindness of God to them for Jonathan’s sake. When it is made known to him that Jonathan’s son still lives, he socks him out; and on discovering his hiding place, he sends to fetch him, as he not only wants to deliver him from his present position, but to make him as one of the King’s sons, eating bread continually at his table.
Now this is very significant. It surely speaks of God’s great interest in every sinner. Does He not think of us? Has not His heart of love gone out to every one of us? Not alone did He give His only begotten Son to die for us; but having raised Him again from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand, He has sent the Holy Spirit to seek us out and bring us into His very presence as His sons, to sit at His table continually, and feast upon His love. O how blessed this is! What grace! Could we desire anything better? This is indeed surpassing love; and you may enjoy it, if you will only believe it.
Now see where this man, Mephibosheth, was. In Lodebar, a place of no pasture. Nothing was found there to satisfy or give peace.
How much like this world of famine, not for natural food, but for that bread which endureth unto life everlasting! Mephibosheth’s condition was something like that of the prodigal son, who found nothing that could satisfy his longing soul until he thought of his father’s love. He awoke to the fact that his father could meet his need. And he did! Yes, indeed! His father thought of him when a long way off, and drew him with the cords of love. He gave him a right royal reception, too. The ring, the robe, and the sandals were all ready; and best of all, the fatted calf was killed, so that the returned wanderer might feast at his table continually. There was everything there to satisfy. And all speaks of Christ who alone can, and does, satisfy.
Then Mephibosheth was lame on both his feet, a poor maimed one, debarred legally from the King’s presence; and he had no claim whatsoever on the King’s bounty. This he owns when brought into his presence. He falls on his face and does reverence. He was, a poor trembling one indeed, fearing the wrath of the King, knowing what his grandfather Saul had done to David; and he expected to be exterminated. He could only take the place of a servant; but David’s “fear not” assured him of his acceptance; and the King said, “I will surely show thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake!” What magnificent grace! What mercy! What love! No wonder he takes the lowest possible place in the. King’s presence, that of a dead dog And how true it is “that he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Oh! dear unsaved one who reads this narrative, humble yourself before God! Take your place as an unclean thing; a dead dog; unworthy of the least of God’s mercies; and as surely as David showed Mephibosheth the kindness of God, and fitted him for his presence, to eat bread at his table as one of the King’s sons, so God will show you mercy and make you His child, to eat bread at His table continually.
C.H.C.
(To be continued).