Mephibosheth

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Mephibosheth

• A Man Of Misfortune

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Introduction

• We live in a world of misfortune
• We must learn to deal with it in our own lives
  and be considerate of those who also suffer from
  misfortune
• This lesson deals with a man who experienced
  misfortune in his life

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I. About The Man

• He was the son of Jonathan
• 2 Sam. 44
• His father and many other relatives died in the
  Philistine wars
• He was crippled at the age of 5
• He lived in seclusion for several years
• 2 Sam. 93-5

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I. About The Man

• He later married and had a son named Mica
• When David became king he elevated Mephibosheth
  to a place of honor
• This action was related to the relationship
  between David and Jonathan

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I. About The Man

• 1 Sam. 181
• 1 Sam. 2014-16, 42
• David never forgot the pledge he made
• Now, some 15-20 years had gone by

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I. About The Man

• Mephibosheth was betrayed by his servant Ziba
• 2 Sam. 161-4
• He was later cleared of the false charges
• 2 Sam. 1924-30

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I. About The Man

• Orphaned at 5
• Lost his family in war
• Lost his right to the throne
• Was crippled in an accident
• Lost his possessions, his position in life and
  almost his own life

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I. About The Man

• When cleared he only received half of his
  inheritance
• Yet he had a great attitude even with all the
  adversity
• He willingly submitted to David
• He was rewarded because of his father Jonathans
  goodness toward David

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2. Lessons For Us

• 1. From David we learn we should honor our
  commitments, no matter how much time may have
  passed
• 2. Christians, like David, must be generous
  towards all men
• Gal. 610

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2. Lessons For Us

• 3. We can serve God even if we have a body
  hindered by disease or deformity
• 2 Cor. 416
• 4. David showed Mephibosheth the kindness of
  Jehovah- 1 Sam. 2014-15 Christ has shown it to
  us by saving our souls
• Titus 34,5

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2. Lessons For Us

• 5. Mephibosheths blessings had nothing to do
  with his intellect, his goodness, his wealth, or
  infirmity. He was blest because of whose son he
  was.
• So with us!
• Eph. 13

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Conclusion

• Let us follow the good example of Mephibosheth
  who was content even while facing many problems
  in life

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References

• Outlined from chapter in Pen Portraits, by John
  Waddey