I heard some time ago of a little book upon a passage of Scripture which occurred in the story of David and Mephibosheth. You know, one day when Jonathan and David are together, Jonathan says, 'David, I want you to make a vow"
I suppose it had been revealed to Jonathan that David was to take his place as the new king and instead of his heart being filled with jealousy, he loves him as a brother.
"Now, I want you to make a vow that when you get my father's throne, you will show kindness to any of my father's house who are alive."
'Why, yes, Jonathan," replies David, "I will. I will do it for your sake alone."
Well, time goes on and news comes to David that the Israelites have been defeated in war, and that Saul and Jonathan are dead. David goes to Hebron and reigns for seven-and-a-half years, and then moves to Jerusalem.
I can see David in his palace during the height of his power, when the recollection of the old vow he made to Jonathan suddenly comes upon him. His conscience tells him that he has made a vow which he has not kept. I can imagine him summoning one of his servants, "Do you know if there are any of Saul's house alive?"
'Well, I don't know, but there is Ziba, an old servant of Saul's."
David summons Ziba and asks: "Are any of Saul's house alive, because if there are I want to show kindness to them."
I can imagine the expression on Ziba's face. The idea of David showing kindness to any of Saul's house-to Saul, who persecuted David and wanted him dead.
"Well, yes," the servant answers, "there is a son of Jonathan living."
"What," he cries, "a son of my old friend Jonathan. Where is he?"
"He was at Lo-debar the last I heard of him."
When David hears the news, he sends for Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth. Imagine that chariot sweeping through the town. "Why, the King's chariot is here," the people say, "What does it mean?"
We are told in the story that this poor prince is lame, and I can see him as he comes out to meet the servant.
"What is it?" he inquires.
"King David has sent for you," the servant replies.
I can see the prince trembling when he hears this. He thinks King David wants to kill him—that's the way with sinners. They think that God stands behind them with a large sword ready to destroy them.
The servant says: "I want you to come down and see the king."
"But," replies the prince, "that means death to me." "He has sent me, and wants you to come," insists the servant, and he gets him into the carriage and on to the palace of the king.
The king looks upon Mephibosheth and sees how he looks like Jonathan. He says to Mephibosheth, "I will show you kindness for your father's sake. I will restore to you all of Saul's possessions, and you shall sit at the king's table."
He restores to the lame prince the inheritance he lost and then gives him a place at his table. That is what God wants for you. He wants you to take your inheritance. If you are a sinner, a backslider, he wants you to return to him, to come to the city of peace where you will learn the good news of God's love and salvation for you.