July 31, 2020 (Friday)
In yesterday’s blog, we saw how the deaths of Saul and Jonathan eventually established David as King of Israel and made Jerusalem its capital. We told the story of how Joab became head of Israel’s armies and how Abner, who had been Saul’s general, was murdered. The story continues of David’s actions in moving the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and making that city the center of its religion. Much remained to be done in conquering enemies and stabilizing the kingdom. Finally, David began cleaning up some loose ends, like dealing with Saul’s descendants.
Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, which made him the grandson of King Saul and father of Mica or Micha. Mephibosheth was 5 years old when both his father and grandfather died at the Battle of Mount Gilboa. After the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, Mephibosheth’s nurse took him and fled in panic. In her haste, the child fell, or was dropped while fleeing. After that, he was unable to walk.
Some years later, after his accession to the kingship of the United Monarchy, King David sought “someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God” and Mephibosheth was brought to him. David restored Saul’s inheritance to Mephibosheth and permitted him to live within his palace in Jerusalem. David did this for Mephibosheth “for the sake of Jonathan,” who had been his closest friend on earth.
These are the highlights of the story of Mephibosheth. Read the Bible for details.
Come with me now, to the present day. The words, “for the sake of Jonathan,” illustrate what Jesus has done for us who follow Him. When Jesus died on the cross, he was making atonement for us so that our sins might be forgiven. When we ask the Lord to save us, we do so in the name of Jesus and not in our own name. It is “for Jesus’ sake” that we are forgiven.
David’s showing mercy to Mephibosheth for the sake of Jonathan is an illustration of God forgiving us for the sake of Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice of Himself on Calvary was accomplished for our sakes.
At Calvary
Words: William R. Newell
Music: Luke Woodard
Chorus:
Mercy there was great and grace was free
Pardon there was multiplied to me
There my burdened soul found liberty
At Calvary
Verses:
Years I spend in vanity and pride
Caring not my Lord was crucified
Knowing not it was for me He died
On Calvary
By Gods words at last my sin I learned
Then I tremble at the law I’d spurned
Till my guilty soul imploring turned
To Calvary
O the love that drew salvation’s plan
O the grace that brought it down to man
O the mighty gulf that God did span
At Calvary
Now I’ve given to Jesus everything
Now I gladly own Him as my King
Now my raptured soul can only sing
Of Calvary
Mercy there was great and grace was free
At Calvary
Calvary…