2 SAM.19:24-30 "HOW TO LOVE THE KING"
* This is one of those passages in the Old Testament that 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 verses, there is a valuable lesson for the children of God.
* 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!
A) 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 this message!
B) If we learn nothing else, let us grasp the truth that we serve a risen Lord who is worthy of all
the love & devotion that we can give to His glorious name!
* Please join me as we look together at the trials & triumphs of this man named Mephibosheth,
* And what he teaches us about, "How To Love The King."
(1) LOVE HIM WITH ABSOLUTE DEVOTION! * Mephibosheth demonstrates his devotion
to king David in various ways! * 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) (Vs.28 of our text)
* As the son of Jonathan, Mephibosheth was in line to ascend to the throne of Saul.
* In reality, he was a rival to David for the office of king!
B) 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 every right to kill Mephibosheth, but because of his great love for Jonathan,
* he spared Mephibosheth’s life (2 Sam.9:3; 1 Sam.20:15)
C) 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 reason to love Him with every fiber of our beings!
* In 1 Jn.4:19, John reminds us that our love for Jesus is rooted in the fact that Jesus first loved us!
D) Think of what you were & how you have sinned against the Lord God!
* If you & I got what we deserved today, we would all be in hell right now!
E) We owe Jesus a great debt of love and devotion! * When we stop to 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 your soul to love & worship the Lord, then there’s a problem with your heart!
F) The Course Of His Devotion: * Because Mephibosheth loved the king, it showed in his life!
* Mephibosheth lived a life of total devotion & absolute faithfulness toward the king!
* When you really love the King, it will show in your life! * In other words;
* You wont have to run around saying, "I love the Lord!" * It wont need to be said, because
it will be clearly seen in everything you do!
G) It will be seen in your prayer life, your attention to the scripture, your witnessing life,
* your manner of life, your attendance upon the worship of the Lord!
* All I’m saying is that when we are in love with Jesus, whole heartedly, it can’t be hidden!
* It will tell on you! * What does your life say about your love for the Lord?
* Love Him with absolute devotion! * Devotion - deep, steady affection; loyalty; faithfulness.
(2) LOVE HIM WITH ABSOLUTE DEDICATION! * 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, & with the political turmoil
evident in the nation of Israel, Mephibosheth had every right to lay claim to the throne!
* Yet, because he loved 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!
B) What a lesson for the church! * There is always a danger that our connection with the world,
* will override our dedication to Jesus! * Be careful that the love of the world,
* don’t steal our love for Jesus! * We have to live in this world, there’s no escaping that truth!
* However, when the world begins to live in us, it’ll quickly override our love for the Lord!
C) Mephibosheth Forgot Himself: * According to v.24, the entire time David was away,
* a period of several months, Mephibosheth neglected himself as a way of mourning over David!
* The lesson here is that our will should be swallowed up in the will of the Lord!
* We are to come to the place where we lose sight of ourselves & of our own interests,
* and become consumed with & focused on the Lord Jesus!
D) We just simply come to the place where we say Jesus is more important than we are!
* Jesus becomes so real that we actually lose sight of ourselves & give all to Jesus!
E) Mephibosheth Followed The King: * Please remember that this man is a cripple!
* When David had to leave Jerusalem because of Absolom’s rebellion, Mephibosheth tried
to go to David. * However, Ziba deceived Mephibosheth and went to David alone!
* He tried to discredit his master before the king, yet Mephibosheth gave his heart to the task
of following the king! * True devotion doesn’t ask why, how, where, what or when!
* True dedication to the Lord Jesus simply responds by saying, "yes."
F) 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 something like beginning to tithe, don’t put it off!
G) Simply step up today & say, "Lord, because I love you, I will do what you’re asking ......."
* "I am simply making myself available to you for your work and glory!"
* Love Him with absolute devotion, love Him with absolute dedication,
(3) LOVE HIM WITH ABSOLUTE DELIGHT! * Mephibosheth looked rough on the outside,
* But his heart was glowing with the love he had for David!
* By this, he sets an example for those of us who claim to know the Lord Jesus!
* I don’t know if you ever noticed this 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 the Father!
* The day is coming, & soon, when He will return to this earth & 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: * It is apparent from the story that Mephibosheth lived with the
anticipation of the king’s return to Jerusalem!
* It consumed his thoughts & controlled his life (v.24) * He spent his days waiting to hear the
heralds declare the news, "The King is coming!"
B) May I remind you this morning that our King, the Lord Jesus, is also returning one day?
* I’m longing to hear that heavenly shout and the trumpet of God!
* I’m looking forward to taking a "plain air ride" to a better country & cheat the undertaker!
* The question you face today is, are you ready to meet Him? * If not, you can be ready .......
C) He Longed For The King: * Mephibosheth’s heart’s desire was to see the king once again!
* This is proven by his statement in v.30! * He didn’t care about his land or money!
* All he cared for was to see the face of the king! * Does this describe our heart today?
D) He Loved The King: * Mephibosheth truly loved David! * He proved this when he made the
comments in v.27! * He was willing to entrust the king to make all the right decisions ... him!
* Nothing proves love for Jesus like a life that is surrendered to the will of God come what may!
* Do you love Him enough to trust Him with your very life? *
E) He Looked Upon The King: * Mephibosheth lived long enough to see his desire become reality!
* He got to see the king when he returned! * That’s all he cared about, just to see the king!
F) 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!
* We will see His face & we’ll worship Him in the beauty of holiness!
CLOSE
A) Are you saved this morning? * If not, then you don’t know the King!
* The first step for you is coming to Him & asking Him into your heart to be your personal
Savior! If you will come to Him, I promise you, He will save you & forgive you all your sins!
B) If you are saved, what is the state of your relationship with the Lord Jesus?
* 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!
C) If you will come to Him & confess your failures & sins, He will forgive you,
* And He will restore you to the place of blessing!
* I am certain that you want to do the right thing, & the right thing is coming to the Lord!
D) Let Him have your life completely and fully! * If you will, He’ll bless you & use you!
* The choice is yours today! * What will you do with this message the Lord has sent your way?
* Your answer may determine the course of your eternity!
* It will certainly determine the course of your life! * Make the right choice today!
