Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1920-08-06

PRIMARY TOPIC-David Kind to a
Cripple.
JUNIOR ToPIC-David's Kindness to
Jonathan's Son,
+ INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC
David Showing Himself Kingly.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC |
Elements Of Strength in Davids 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 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 g: 1-3).
This story of faithful love to dead
friend is 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 subjugation of his enemies, he
sets himself to make inquiry as to
whether there is any one left of Sauls
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
1T e.
able to cultivate it On account of in
| trinity, he arranged that it be culti-
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. 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 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 life for Davids
sake.
The chief value of this lesson will
be realized by making it 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 a 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
: Mephibosheth was in the house of
Machir, which means "sold." This is
/ exactly. the sinners condition-sold
unto sin and Satan. Lodebar means
mo 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 (vv. 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 o1
, his saving grace.
l v. David Restores to Mephiboshetr
: the Forfeited Estate of His Father
: wv. 9-10).
) He not only restored this estate, bu
r provided a means Of tillage. God mo-
only receives US into his family al
2 children and restores to us the estate
I forfeited by Adam, but provides fol
Y it's culture and development.
4 vi. Mephibosheth at the Kings
1 Table (vv. 11-13).
This act of kindness on the par
of David was done out of the SINGER
ity of his heart This illustrates God'!
kindness to US in Christ. 1t woul(
have been not only foolish for Mephib
osheth to have refused this act O.
kindness, but it would have been al
insult to the king; but it is infinitely
t worse for the sinner to reject Cod!