Roanoke Rapids herald. [volume] (Roanoke Rapids, N.C.) 1914-192?, 1920-08-06

INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC
David Showing Himself Kingly.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
Elements Of Strength In Davids Char-
acter.
|. Davld's Righteous and Impartial
Reign (S;l5).
When he was established rs king
over all Israel, he executed Judgment
and justice unto all his people. In
this respect he stands ms a type OF
the Lord Jesus Christ; for when Dav-
Ids greater son, the Lord Jesus, shall
reign over all Israel Righteousness
and justice will prevail in all the
earth.
II. Dav'd's Inquiry for Some OF
saul's House to Whom He Might
Show Kindness O.: 1-3).
This story Of faithful love to dead
friend IL quite refreshing. David ex-
perienced great grief when he received
the news that Jonathan had fallen In
battle. Now when he Is made king
and success has crowned his efforts
In the subjugatlon of his enemies, he
sets himself to make Inquiry as to
whether there Is any one left of Saurs
family to whom he might show kind
ness for Jonathan's sake, When
Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son. was
found. David ordered him to be
brought to him and restored TO him
his grandfather's estate. Being I'M
able TO cultivate II on account OF In
trinity, he arranged that II be cult
waited for him. Not content with this,
he ordered that Mephbosheth should
eat at his own table as one OF his
sons. This example Of Dayid's nobil-
ity teaches us that those who are
blessed and prospered should stop TO
Inquire as to whether there are not
some deserving ones whom they can
help. II may be that children of
some old friends who rendered us help
In former days need care and help.
Then, too, some faithful servant OF
God could be cheered along life's way.
This should not be simply done rs an
act of charity, but In recognition Of
some lasting obligation In view Of
help rendered by their fathers in by
gone dhys. This was the case with
Jonathan. He had sacrificed much I
and endangered his lls for David's
sake.
The chief value of this lesson will .
be realized by making 1t living story
the plan of salvation.
Dayid's making Inquiry for some one
upon whom he can bestow kindness
illustrates God taking the initiative in
salvation for lost and needy
souls. This Is clearly suggested In
Davlds expression, "show the kind
ness Of God" Mephibosheth did not
seek David's help o. sympathy. Quite
likely he had a fear and dread for
him like the sinner has in many cases
for the Lord. Salvation originated
with the Lord. He did not make this
provision because OF mans merit, but
out of heart of g:ace, for the sake
Of another, even Christ.
III. Mephlbosheth Is Found wv. 4,
-.
This lame man vas found In the
house of Machir In Lodebar. This
illustrates the sinners con-
iitlon. The sinner is utterly unable
% walk uprightly before the Lord.
was In the house Of
Machr, which means sold" This Is
Exactly the sinners condltion-sold
into sin and Satan. Lodebar means
no pasture" This, too, suggests the
sinners condition OF soul which moth
ng can satisfy but God. The sinner
NAMED and enslaved by sin has an
aching void which only God and his
race can satisfy.
w. Mephibosheth's Sense Of I'm.
wv. 6-S).
When he was brought into the pres
nee Of the king lie reverently fell
Ipen his face. Every sinner in the
presence of God feels unworthy of
is saving grace.
v. David Restores to Mephlbosheth
he Forfeited Estate OF His Father
w. 9-I0).
He not only restored this estate, but
royided a means of tlllage. God not
My receives US into his family as
hildren and restores to us the estate
orfeited by Adam, but provides for
IS culture and development.
VI. MephIbosheth at the Kings
able wv. 11-13).
This act of kindness on the part
( David was done out of the SINGER
" of his heart. This illustrates Gods
indness to us In Christ. 1t would
ave beeA not only foolish for Mephlb-
sheth to have refused this act of
indness, but 1t would have been an
lsult to the king; but 1t Is Infinitely
'orse for the sinner to reject Gods
lercy which has been bestowed upon