Homilist 2 Samuel 9:1-13 And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?… The fragment of history of which this chapter is composed may be looked upon in two lights. 1. As supplying a fine illustration of human friendship. Between David and Jonathan there existed a friendship the most tender and strong. 2. As a faint image of Divine love to the world. We are far from regarding David here as a type of the Eternal. I see more of the Eternal in the true kindness of a holy man — such kindness as David now displays — than I can see in any part of material nature. It is a brighter reflection of the Infinite One than stars or suns. I see the sun in the ray; — the dew-drop mirrors the Atlantic. I. THE DISINTERESTEDNESS OF THE KINDNESS IS ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE DIVINE. 1. The kindness which David displayed to Mephibosheth. was unmerited. Was David under any obligation to show this kindness? Was there any excellence in the son of Jonathan to call it forth? No; David had the affection even before he knew there was such a person. Was God under any obligation to show mercy to the world? or did He see aught of excellence in the world to call it forth? No; if He had left humanity to perish for ever in its sins, no one could have complained. Angels would still have sung on, "Just and right are Thy ways," &c. Was there an excellence in man to call it forth? No; "God commendeth His love to us in that while we were yet sinners," &c. 2. The kindness which David showed Mephibosheth was unsought. The son of Jonathan did not make any application; — he did not knock at the door of royalty entreating favour. Did the world seek the gift of Christ? No, for two reasons: — (1) Because it did not feel the need of a Saviour. (2) If it had it never could' have supposed that such a gift was possible. God sent Christ into the world not only without the world's request, but against the world's will. "He came to His own, but His own," &c. II. THE OCCASION ON WHICH THIS DISINTERESTED KINDNESS WAS DISPLAYED IS ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE DIVINE. 1. The kindness which David showed Mephibosheth was in consideration of some one else. It was "for Jonathan's sake." Why all this love to the poor lame youth more than to some one else? Hundreds in the empire perhaps required and desired more than he. Because of Jonathan. Why does God show love to this world more than hell? Hell requires mercy. Because of some One else. Christ is not the cause of God's love, but He is its channel. All blessings, temporal and spiritual, come through Christ. "He took not on Him the nature of angels," &c. 2. The kindness which David showed Mephibosheth was on account of some one else who was very near to the heart of the king. You remember David's wail over Jonathan: "I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan," &c. How dear is Christ to the Everlasting Father. "Mine Elect, in whom my soul delighteth." "My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." I do not understand the mysterious connection subsisting between Jesus and the Everlasting Father. My intellect bows reverently before the mystery. But the Bible tells me that it is that of "an only-begotten Son." III. THE RESULTS WHICH THIS DISINTERESTED KINDNESS REALISED ARE ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE DIVINE. 1. It found out Mephibosheth. "Then King David sent and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lo-debar." Christ came to seek and to save; like the man who had lost one of his sheep, the woman her silver, the father his son. the apostles were sent out in search of god's objects of love. "God's love searches men out." Providence, conscience, and the Gospel are His Messengers. (Matthew 22:2-10.) 2. it restored him to his patrimonial inheritance, "I will restore thee all the land," &c.(ver. 7). Thou shalt walk the fields and meadows which thy father often trod. God's love restores us to our lost possessions. Salvation is "paradise regained." "All things are yours," &c. 3. Exalted to distinguished honours. "And thou shalt eat bread at my table continually" (ver. 7). "If any man hear My voice, I will come in unto him," &c. 4. The command of suitable attendants. "Thy sons and thy servants shall till the land for him," &c. What agents God employs for the objects of His love I "All things work together for good." "Are they not all ministering spirits?" &c. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? |
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