INTRODUCTION: Today, I want to introduce you to one of those mysterious and enigmatic characters in all the Bible. He is one of those men that we sometimes wonder why the Holy Spirit chooses to tell his story. But perhaps I can shed some light on that for you today.
His name is Mephibosheth.
Now I know everyone came today hoping Pastor Zach would preach a sermon on Mephibosheth. Before we jump into his story I want to show you the context. You see Mephiboseth’s Father was the Prince of Israel - Jonathon. Jonathon had a best friend named David, who eventually became Israel’s 2nd king.
There is more written in the Bible about David than there is about any other Biblical Character except Jesus.
Not only that - the narrative about David is the longest record we have from all ancient literature that chronicles a single human life.
So we might assume that there is a great deal to learn about life from the life of David.
CONTEXT: In 2 Samuel 9 David is comfortably ruling from the Throne of Israel.
In Chapter 1 - Saul and his son Jonathon has died in battle.
Chapter 2-5 - A violent struggle erupts between the house of Saul and the house of David. 2 Samuel 3:1 (ESV) 1 There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker.
Chapter 6 - David returns the Ark of God to Jerusalem. This is very significant. You see in Exodus Moses has argued with God about how he wanted the Ark, the Manifest Presence of God to dwell in the midst of the camp. God said, “Let me go before you and dwell in the tent of meeting away from the people”. Moses said, “No, if you aren’t going to dwell with us… you might as well kill me in the wilderness”. Why? Because it’s not about the land, it’s not about descendants, it’s about being with God. Moses got that - and David got that. That is why the first thing David did after securing his throne is moved the Ark back into the city.
NOW - in Chapter 9, The House of Saul is defeated, the Philistines are subdued… and for the first time, David is able to relax and reflect… he has a moment to dream, to consider what to do next.
It was then that a question came to the mind of King David…