The bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1920-08-06
nePIoyEp UNRUM1 INTERNATIONAL
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LESSON
T3y REV p. 3. FITZWATER, d. D..
Teacher of English Bible IN the Moody
Bible Institute of Chicago.)
tCopyright 1920. Western Newspaper Union>
LESSON FOR AUGUST 8
THE kINGLY KINDNESS OF
DAVID.

| LESSON TENTH Sam. SIS; 9:1-13
GOLDEN TEXT-David executed judy
| ment and justice unto all his people,
I II Sam. S:15.
| ADDITIONAL MATERIAL-Deut. Is:
| LA: Ps 7S:70-72.
| PRIMARY TOPIC-David Kind to a
| Cripple.
| Jonathans Son.
| INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC
! David Showing Himself kingly.
| YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
| Elements of Strength in David's Char
acter.
!. David's Righteous and Impartial
Reign (S:15).
When he was established as king
over all Israel, he executed judgment
and justice unto all his people. In
This respect he stands as 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, David's Inquiry for Some of
saups House to Whom He Might
Show Kindness %: 1-3).
This story of faithful love to a dead
friend is quite refreshing. David eX-
pcricnccd great grief when he received
the news that Jonathan had fallen in
hottle. Now when he is made king
and success has crowned his efforts
in the subiugation 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
Mcphibosheth, 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 it on account of in
trinity, he arranged that it 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-
itv 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 1t 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 lifes 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
hi 20
sake.
The chief value of this lesson will
be realized by making it a 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 Cod" Mephibosheth did not
seek Davids 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 was found in the
house of Machir in LOdebar. This
Strikingly illustrates the sinners con-
dition. The sinner is utterly unable
to walk uprightly before the Lord.
McphibOshcth was in the house OF
Machir, which means "sold." This is
exactly the sinners cOnditiOn-sold
unto sin and Satan. Lodebar means
emo pasture" This, too, suggests the
sinners condition of soul which moth
ing can satisfy but God. The sinner
MANNED and enslaved by sin has an
"aching void' which only God and his
grace can satisfy.
w. Mephibosheth's Sense Of Un
worthiness wv. 6-S).
When he was brought into the pres
ence of the king he reverently fell
upon his face Every sinner in the
presence of God feels unworthy of
his saving grace.
v. David Restores to Mephibosheth
the Forfeited Estate of His Father
wv. 0-1W.
He not only restored this estate. but
provided means of tllage. God not
only receives us into his family as
children and restores to us the estate
forfeited by Adam, but provides for
its culture and development.
VI. Mephibosheth at the Kings
Table wv. 11-13).
This act Of kindness on the part
OF David was done out of the SINGER
ity OF his heart. This illustrates Gods