CHOSEN BY THE KING
II Samuel 9:1-13
(Antioch Baptist Church: Sunday, March 8th, 2026)
When a person works an eight-hour day and receives a fair day’s pay for his time, that is a wage. When a person competes with an opponent and receives a trophy for his performance, that is a prize. When a person receives appropriate recognition for his long service or high achievements, that is an award. But when a person is not capable of earning a wage, can win no prize, and deserves no award—yet receives such a gift anyway, that is grace. (Source: Clip-Art Features for Church Newsletters, G.W. Knight, p. 53)
A simple definition of grace is “something given that is not earned or deserved”. In the Bible, grace is defined as “the unmerited favor of God”. Through Christ, our Heavenly Father has bestowed upon us His favor, love, and innumerable blessings.
Our selected text records one of the greatest examples of grace in the entire Bible. King David seeks out a man named Mephibosheth and presents him with a life changing opportunity. Those of us who are “in Christ” have been sought out by the King of kings. He has extended grace to us and changed our lives. Even greater than that is the reality that He has changed us eternally.
Some of you have yet to experience this immediate and eternal transformation; it is possible that today could be the day that the King comes calling. I would like to look at the story of David and Mephibosheth and preach on the subject, “Chosen By The King”.
Israel’s King Saul had a son named Jonathan. Jonathan and David were brothers-in-law and the closest of friends. 1 Samuel 18:1 says, “the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.”
As a result of sin and rebellion, the Lord declared that He would remove Saul’s kingdom from him and give it to another. Samuel said to Saul, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you.” David was the man whom the Lord chose to eventually succeed Saul as King. As Saul’s son, Jonathan recognized David’s divine appointment to the throne. However, he sacrificed his own claim to the kingdom in order to protect David against his father's jealousy.
Jonathan and David entered into a covenant together. In the ancient Near East, when a new king came to power, he would annihilate the family of the preceding monarch in order to cut off anyone who might be a threat to his rule. David’s covenant promise assured Jonathan that his family would not be annihilated when David replaced Saul as king.
By the time of 2 Samuel chapter nine, King Saul and his son Jonathan have died in an intense battle with the Philistines. God’s chosen servant, David has ascended the throne. Several years have passed and the King sought to honor the covenant that he had made with Jonathan. He asked his attendants, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (v1). In turn, they called “a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba” (v2). David asked Ziba, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” (v3a).
Ziba replied that “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.” (v3b). It is possible that Ziba mentioned the fact that Mephibosheth was cripped to indicate that he was unable to lead an army into battle and therefore he was not a credible threat to David’s rule.
2 Samuel 4:4 describes the heartbreaking chain of events that led to Mephibosheth being crippled. Saul and Jonathan were engaged in a fierce battle with the Philistines. Jonathan's precious 5-year-old son, Mephibosheth was in the care of his nanny. A messenger came from Jezreel with the news that Mephibosheth's father and grandfather had both been killed in battle. Fearing for his life, the nanny grabbed the young boy and began to flee the area. In her haste she tripped and dropped Mephibosheth breaking both of his feet; tragically, he would be lame for the remainder of his life.
After learning about Mephibosheth, the king asked Ziba, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.” Mephibosheth was dwelling in the house of a man named “Machir”. Machir was a rich and influential person whose home would have been of ample size to accommodate Saul’s likely destitute grandson. They lived in place east of the Jordan, in Gilead, called “Lo-debar”. Lo-debar literally means “no pasture”; this was a dry barren land.
After being informed of his whereabouts, King David sent his servants to retrieve Mephibosheth and bring him to Jerusalem. Imagine how fearful Mephibosheth must have been when the carriage arrived and he was informed that the King demanded him to appear before him. Knowing his position as a descendant of King Saul, this was probably a moment that he dreaded for most of his life. The journey from Lo-debar to Jerusalem must have seemed like an eternity.
Upon arriving at the King’s palace, “Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David” When he stepped into the presence of the King, he “fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, “Mephibosheth!” And he answered, “Behold, I am your servant.”
Noticing his trepidation, frailty, and humility, David said to him, “Do not fear”. David did not stop at offering mercy and comfort; he went on to describe the grace that he intended to show the son of the best friend he ever had. He said, “I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.” It was David’s intention to restore the family land that belonged Saul to Mephibosheth; This decree instantly made the destitute and crippled Mephibosheth a very wealthy man.
On top of this, “the king called Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master’s grandson. And you and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him and shall bring in the produce that your master’s grandson may have bread to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s grandson shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants” (v9-10).
Because of Mephibosheth’s disability, Ziba would continue to manage the estate. Ziba, his fifteen sons, and his twenty servants would “till the land” for Mephibosheth and “bring in the produce that…” he “may have bread to eat” (v10). Meanwhile, Mephibosheth would reside in the capital city and enjoy food and fellowship at the King’s table.
The King declared “you shall eat at my table always” (v7b). Jonathan’s precious son who had experienced so many hardships, difficulties, and tragedies throughout his life would now be treated as a member of the royal household.He possessed direct access to Israel’s king and enjoyed unfettered and intimate contact with him.
Mephibosheth was overwhelmed when he heard the words of the king. In response, “he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?”
A “dead dog” was considered contemptible and useless. That is exactly how Mephibosheth saw himself; he was conscious of the reality that he had not merited David’s kindness and that there was no way for him to repay it.
The King extended grace as a result of his covenant with Jonathan. Furthermore, the text declares that David had the power and the resources to fulfill his promise. Notice verses 11-13:
Then Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king commands his servant, so will your servant do.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, like one of the king’s sons. And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. And all who lived in Ziba’s house became Mephibosheth’s servants. So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king’s table. Now he was lame in both his feet.”
I love the picture that Dr. Alan Carr paints concerning this passage in his sermon “No Wonder It Is Called Amazing”. Imagine the scene: The King’s palace contains a large table furnished with an extraordinary feast. “In attendance was Absalom, tall, strong, and handsome. David’s other sons were there as well. Also in attendance were David’s beautiful wives and daughters. There was Joab the general, proud and strong. There were princes and princesses; soldiers and statesmen; men of wealth and men of power. All of these took their place at the table of King David. But wait, as the family gathers, there is the sound of a crippled man coming down the hallway. There is the clump of his crutches and the sound of his feet being dragged. It is Mephibosheth and he takes his place at the King’s table with all the rights and privileges as the rest. Then, when he takes his seat and the tablecloth falls across his legs. He looks just like the rest. Grace took a nobody from nowhere and made him a child of the King!’ (Source:Thesermonnotebook.org)
David’s covenant actions towards Mephibosheth is one of the greatest examples of grace in the history of the world. However, this story is not the greatest example of grace. The greatest example of grace is what has been experienced by every born-again child of God.
If you are saved, it is only because you have been called by the King of kings. Likewise, if you are to be saved it will only be because you have been called by the King. I would like for us to examine a few of the privileges of those who have been “Called By The King”.
David took the initiative to seek and find Mephibosheth. He found him and brought him out of that distant barren land called Lo-debar. The king extended mercy, rather than killing him, he saved him! Furthermore, he extended extraordinary compassion and kindness, even making him part of his own family. David gave Mephibosheth the access and privilege of enjoying intimate fellowship with him.
This is exactly what Jesus has done for us! Our Savior has made a way for us to enjoy personal fellowship with Him here and now. Furthermore, we will enjoy fellowship with Him throughout eternity. Like Mephibosheth:
THE KING COMES TO WHERE WE ARE
Lo-debar has been described as a dry, barren land. As bad as it may have been, Lo-debar is nowhere near as miserable as the place where we were when Jesus found us. Before Jesus came calling, each of us were abiding in sin. Romans 3:23 says, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Before Christ we were alienated from God and carrying the burden of guilt for disobedience,
Paul said that we “once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds” (Colossians 1:21). He told the Ephesians that they were “separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). Writing to Titus, Paul said, “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.”
Apart from Christ we were all without hope! Thankfully, He saw our depraved and helpless condition and in mercy and compassion He came to where we were. Jesus left His rightful place in Heaven and He came to earth “to seek and save those who were lost”.
- The King came to where we were, furthermore:
THE KING CALLS OUR NAME
Mephibosheth must have been terrified when the King’s servants came to where he was and informed him that the King desired to see him. It is an overwhelming and humbling experience when the King of all kings calls your name. For this reason, when God began His work in our lives, it was a moment that produced great fear. Thankfully, like David, Jesus has a way of producing amazing comfort and peace for those in His care.
- This leads us to the fact that:
THE KING CALMS OUR FEARS
When Mephibosheth humbly bowed in the presence of the King, David said, “do not fear”. Because of the finished work of our King, we have no need to fear anything or anyone! We no longer have to fear the power of the Devil. We need not fear the consequences of our sins. We don’t have to fear the deserved wrath of God. We have no reason to fear death, condemnation, or eternity.
Jesus’ words and actions in the Gospels prove that those who belong to Him have no reason to live in fear. In the midst of a great storm, Jesus said to His followers “Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid" (Matthew 14:27). He assured His disciples that they need not fear any lack of provision. He said in Luke 12:32, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32). Even when facing physical persecution and potential death for their faith, the Savior could say, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul" (Matthew 10:28). Even in times of despair, the Lord says, “Do not be afraid; only believe" (Mark 5:36).
Mephibosheth had lived most of his life in fear; when he came into the presence of the King, those fears were calmed. If you have been called by the King, there is absolutely no reason for you to live in fear!
- Our King not only came to where we were, called our name, and calmed our fears, He also transformed our lives. Notice:
THE KING CHANGES OUR LIVES
This moment was a turning point for Mephibosheth. Immediately upon encountering the King, his life was never the same again. There was not a single area of Mephibosheth’s life that was not affected by his new relationship with the King.
Similarly, the transformation that Jesus brings into our lives is comprehensive. When Jesus comes to us and calls our name, He transforms us immediately, spiritually, and eternally. Paul said, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This "new creation" that replaces old, selfish habits with the "fruits of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law”).
This new life is a life of holiness and purity that is only possible through Christ. Writing to the Colossians he said that Christ “has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him” (Colossians 1:21-22).
Mephibosheth’s condition was physical; our condition when Jesus found us was spiritual. However, we were not “spiritual cripples”, we were spiritually dead! Ephesians 2:1-5 describes the transformation that we experience when the King calls our name. “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved”
Like Mephibosheth, our lives are never the same after we encounter the King. Though we were indeed “dead in trespasses and sins” we have been “raised to walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).
This King is one who comes to where we are, calls our name, calms our fears, changes our lives, and He is one who commands us to abide with Him. Notice:
THE KING COMMANDS US TO ABIDE WITH HIM
Don’t miss the fact that David was the all-powerful King of Israel. With a single command he could have saw to it that Mephibosheth was executed. However, the King offered Mephibosheth the opportunity to become part of his family. How foolish it would have been for him to reject such an offer! Mephibosheth accepted the King’s offer and enjoyed a new home, a new family, and a new future.
Our King has provided us with the same! Because of our relationship with Jesus we have the promise of a new home, we a part of a new family, and we possess a new future. With that being said, this glorious relationship comes with the command to abide with our King.
In John 15, Jesus commands His followers to “abide in Him”. There He uses the analogy of a branch attached to a vine. To abide in Christ is to maintain a daily, dependent relationship with Him through prayer, abiding in His Word, obeying His commandments, and relying on the Holy Spirit to bear fruit in our lives.
It was a tremendous privilege for Mephibosheth to enjoy direct access and intimate fellowship with the King. We possess an even greater privilege to enjoy direst access and intimate fellowship with the King of kings!
No doubt there are some in attendance today who feel that they are unworthy to experience a personal relationship with the King. Like Mephibosheth, you may be saying “who am I, that God would show regard for a dead dog such as I?” It is important for you to understand that Mephibosheth was cripple; he was a man who had nothing to offer King David. Furthermore, he didn’t seek the King, the King sought him!
Likewise, you have absolutely nothing to offer King Jesus. But as was the case in this story, the gracious King is seeking unworthy sinners today. This King comes to people where they are, He calls their name, He calms their fears, He changes their lives, and He commands them to abide with Him.
I encourage you to do exactly what Mephibosheth did; simply humble yourself in the presence of the King and accept His offer today. If you will, then you can echo the words of the old hymn that says:
“”Once I was clothed in the rags of my sin
Wretched and poor lost and lonely within
But with wondrous compassion the King of all Kings
In pity and love took me under His wing
Now I'm a child with a heavenly home
My Holy Father has made me His own
Now I'm cleansed by His blood and I'm clothed in His love
And someday I'll sing with the angels above
Oh yes, oh yes, I'm a child of the King
His royal blood now flows in my veins
And I who was wretched and poor now can sing
Praise God, Praise God, I'm a child of the King””
For those of you who are certain that you possess a personal relationship with Jesus, rejoice in the reality that you have been “Chosen By The King
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