“Messy Mephibosheth” II Samuel 19:24-30 & Mark 13:33-37 -Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts
Nearly every time Jesus spoke about His second coming, He stressed the importance of being prepared. In Mark 13 He warns, “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with an assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone. Watch!” (Mark 13:33-37).
We’re to be on alert. A policeman, an Emergency Medical Technician, a soldier, all know what it’s like to have their routine suddenly shifted into high gear. It’s stressful, but not unexpected; it’s all part of the job. You have to have a high tolerance of change and uncertainty, and be able to handle frequent rushes of adrenaline.
Are we prepared for the return of our Savior? Some Christians are apathetic or willfully ignorant. They say, “No one can figure this stuff out; it’s way too complicated, and there’s too much symbolism, so why try?” Or they feel prophecy is too divisive, with differing views on what may happen, so why cause more conflict?
On the other hand, some Christians over-indulge in prophecy. They get so wrapped up in it that they neglect other (more important) teachings. Go to a Christian bookstore and you’ll be amazed at the number of books on prophecy, many written to satisfy the intense curiosity of people, and to cash in on people’s interest in the future. The popular “Left Behind” series of novels have all made the NY Times bestseller list.
Regardless of our prophetic viewpoints, we can all agree that we’re to be watching, waiting, and ready for whatever God brings. Our comfort is knowing that He’s in control of history, that it’s “His story.” We may be unable to unravel the mysteries concerning Christ’s return, but we can be certain about one thing—He will return. How we greet Him that Day is important. What should be day of rejoicing could turn out to be a day of regret.
In II Samuel 19 we read of Mephibosheth, the son of David’s best friend Jonathan, the grandson of king Saul. He had been crippled due to a childhood injury. David took compassion on him, and adopted him into his family, gave him an inheritance, and showered him with love. We too were crippled by sin, wounded by a Fall, but we’ve been adopted into God’s family. Mephibosheth is a picture of grace.
While David was hiding from the wrath of king Saul, he formed a bond with the king’s son, Jonathan. When David became king of Israel he wanted to fulfill his covenant with Jonathan, so he began to search for any descendants of Saul and Jonathan. He was told about Ziba, who was a servant of Saul until the king’s death. Ziba was summoned and told David about one surviving son, Mephibosheth. David sent for Mephibosheth, gave him all the properties that belonged to Saul, along with Ziba and his household as his servants. David also gave Mephibosheth the honor of sitting at his royal table as a son.
In chapter 19 we see David returning home from battle, and Mephibosheth has been caught unprepared; he hastily rushes to greet David. He appears to be surprised, flustered, and unaware. We don’t know exactly why; we’re given two stories, but we aren’t told which is true. He may have been lazy, insolent, or irresponsible, or he could’ve been “set up” for embarrassment. Mephibosheth appears like a student who shows up for class, engages in some small talk with fellow students, opens his textbook, and then discovers that there’s a test! He didn’t study, and he’s not ready. Most tests are scheduled and announced, but sometimes teachers give “pop tests”. We need to remind ourselves that Jesus will return without warning. His second coming is imminent—it could happen at any time. Biblical prophecy gives some clues, some signs, but doesn’t give a specific date, to keep us on our toes. Jesus said that He will return like “a thief in the night”.
All Mephibosheth apparently knew was that David was supposed to return sometime soon. He is not properly groomed; he’s downright scrufty! However, there’s another explanation: Ziba indicated to David that Mephibosheth had chosen to stay in Jerusalem, hoping David would be killed in battle, which would put him in line to gain the throne of his grandfather, Saul. David has had to deal with so much treachery, so many faithless people—is Mephibosheth one more who has betrayed his love? If David could be betrayed by his own son Absalom, why wouldn’t Mephibosheth, with a legitimate claim on the throne, also betray him?
I visited the Czechoslovakian border during the Cold War, when the 7th Armored Cavalry Regiment was responsible to monitor a likely means of invasion into Germany. The 7th ACR maintained a Quick Reaction Force to respond to any incidents or aggression. The QRF had 15 minutes to be in place. I also spent some time on the DMZ in Korea, an area which continues to be tense. I watched an unscheduled drill; border guards came running to their positions, some half-dressed, but ready to defend their area of responsibility. My first Army assignment was with a Military Police battalion where I learned the definition of law enforcement: “hours of boredom interrupted by moments of terror.” Readiness is not an option—it is absolutely essential.
Mephibosheth knew he needed to be ready for the king’s return, but it appears he didn’t do much to prepare. He blames his lack of preparedness on his servant. Is he passing the buck? Did Ziba really withhold information to make Mephibosheth look bad? David can’t decide who’s telling the truth, and Scripture doesn’t tell us. Even if Mephibosheth was misled, he still ought to have been better prepared—pardon the pun, but it seems like he’s offering the king a “lame excuse.”
Scottish pastor Robert Murray McCheyne asked a group of Christians if they thought Christ might return soon. They all answered, “I think not.” McCheyne then reminded them that Jesus said He would come back at a time “when you think not.”
Mephibosheth lost some of his honor and reward. He wasn’t cast out of David’s home or deported, but he was sorely embarrassed and shamed by his lack of readiness. His name means “a shameful thing” and I wonder if he was given it following this incident.
I don’t think there’s any way to reconcile the two conflicting accounts of why Mephibosheth was absent when David returned. David seems unsure as well. He chooses a diplomatic solution, to divide the land he gave Mephibosheth between him and Ziba, giving both men the benefit of the doubt. Whether this resolution facilitated a reconciliation between the two is hard to say.
Mephibosheth acknowledges David’s past graciousness, and admits that he does not deserve any special consideration. He even waives his rights to what David has given him, signing over all his property to Ziba (although whether he actually did this is another matter; he may have been using hyperbole). The impression he gives is that he is more than happy to simply live in the king’s presence, that any other benefits or privileges are unnecessary. David accepts both men, Mephibosheth and Ziba, back into his city. This is so characteristic of David, a man who experienced grace, and who was gracious.
We have no idea what tomorrow will bring. It’s comforting to know that God accepts us, but He also expects us to offer dedicated service. We can’t put off discipleship—if we do, we could end up like Mephibosheth.
On September 11th we were caught by surprise, and we’ve since redoubled our efforts toward strengthening our civil defense. The Department of Homeland Security has been charged to deter further acts of terrorist aggression. The attack on America was a sobering, eye-opening experience.
Jesus is coming, as a friend, not an enemy. But will He find us ready? Can we look at what we’re doing for Him and feel like we’re making a satisfactory effort? Would our lives be different this next week if we knew Christ would return next month?
The Book of Revelation closes with a prayer by one who’s ready: “Come, Lord Jesus” (22:20). John doesn’t pray, “Lord, could you hold off a bit? I don’t think I’m quite ready for Your return.” Whether our interpretations of prophecy prove true, our lives had better! Are we ready to meet the King?
Prayer: Father, in a few moments we are about to “meet” You in the Bread and Cup of Holy Communion. As these elements remind us of the death of Christ, help us to respond to His sacrificial love by renewing our commitment. If anyone here is unprepared for Christ’s return, help them to surrender their lives to You.
