Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1920-08-05
rlsyReyEp uHIRpRN INTERNATIONAL
SUllIGYSCIlDOL.
LESSON
LESSON FOR AUGUST 8
THE KlNoLy KINDNESS OF
DAVID.
Wy REV. p. B. ETTZWATER, D. D.
Teacher Of English Bible In the Moody
Bible Institute Of Chicago.)
Copyright. 1879. western Newspaper Unionl

LESSON TExT--n Sam. s:15: s:1-1a
& GOLDEN TExT-David executed judg-
ment and justice unto all his people.
II Sam. 8:15.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL-Deut q:
LA; Ps. GS:7O-72
PRIMARY ToPIc-Dasid Kind to
Cripple.
JUNIOR ToP1c-Dayids Kindness to
Jonathan's Son. # gs
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC
David Showing Himself Kingly.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
Elements Of Strength in David's Char
acter.
I. David's Righteous and impartial
Reign (s:15).
When he was established as king
over all Israel, he executed judgment
and justice unto oil his people. In
this respect he stands as 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. David's Inquiry for Some OF
Saul's House to Whom He Might
Show Kindness Co.: 1-3).
This story Of faithful love to dead
friend is quite refreshing. David ex-
perlenced 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 subjugation Of his enemies, he
sets himself to make inquiry as to
whether there is any one left Of Saul's
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 1t on account of in
trinity, he arranged that 1t be cult
waited for him. Not content with this,
he ordered that Mephibosheth should
eat at his own table as one of his
sons. This example of David'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. It 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 as an
act Of charity, but in recognition Of
some lasting obligation in view Of
help rendered by their fathers in by
gone days. This was the case with
Jonathan. He had sacrificed much
and endangered his Wife for David's
sake.
The chief value Of tthis lesson will
be realized by makingtit living story
illustrating the plan of salvation.
David's making inquiry for some one
upon whom he can bestow kindness
illustrates God taking the initiative in
providing salvation for lost and needy
souls. This is clearly suggested In
David's expression, "show the kind
ness of God" Mephibosheth did not
seek David's help or 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 grace. for the sake
Of another. even Christ.
| III. Mephibosheth Is Found wv. 4
81.
This lame man twas found in the
house of Machir Tin Lodebar. This
strilSingly illustrates the sinners con
dition. The sinner is utterly unable
to walk uprightly before the Lord
Mephibosheth was In the house o.
Machir, which means ''sold." This II
exactly the sinners condition-solt
unto sin and Satan. Lodebar means
"no pasture" This, itoo, suggests thu
sinners condition ofisoul which moth
| ing can satisfy but God. The slime
MANNED and enslaNed by sin has al
"aching void" which, only God and hi
grace can satisfy.
w. MephIbosheth's$ Sense Of Un
worthlness wv. 6-8).
| When he was brought into the pres
ence Of the king he lreyerently fel
upon his face. EVERY sinner in tn
presence Of God feelst unworthy o
his saving grace.
v. David Restores 10 iMephlboshetl
the Forfeited EstateI u HE Faths
(vv. 9-10).
He not only restored this estate. bu
provided means Of ttillage, God no
only receives us into his family a
children and restores to us the estat
forfeited by Adam, but provides 70
its culture and development.
| vi. Mephlbosheth at the King
Table wv. 11-13l.
This act Of Kindness on the par
of David was done out of the since
ity Of his heart. This illustrates God
kindness to us in Christ.