The Kindness of God.

Notes For A Bible Reading.
WE have “the kindness of God” illustrated in a striking and memorable way in 2 Samuel 9 and in Luke 15. The kindness of “David the king” to Mephibosheth illustrates the sovereign grace of God to sinners. The reader is requested to read 2 Sam. 9., and keep it before the eyes as we go on.
It was absolute grace. (1) Who was the party contemplated? “Any that is left of the house of Saul” (verse 1). Saul had been David’s chief enemy: so “when we were yet enemies we were reconciled by the death of his Son” (Rom. 5:1010For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10)). (2) Where was the object of David’s kindness? “In Lo-debar.” Hid in a distant place beyond Jordan. So we were Gentiles in the flesh and “far off.” The Prodigal (Luke 15) in the distant land of famine tells of the sinner’s distance, destitution, and misery. (3) What was he? A member of a fallen house―an outcast―dependent―lame. He was “in the house of Machir.” We were “without strength―sinners―ungodly―enmity against God.” Fallen in Adam and exposed to wrath (Eph. 2:33Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. (Ephesians 2:3)).
2. It was seeking grace. “Where is he?” (vs. 4). It is God’s kindness that seeks sinners. He is first in this. “Adam, where art thou?” God sent His Son (John 3:16,116For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
1There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: (John 3:1) Jon. 4:10, 1110Then said the Lord, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not labored, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: 11And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle? (Jonah 4:10‑11)) “The Son of man is come to seek” (Luke 19:1010For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10)). See parable of the good Shepherd, Luke 15:4-74What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. (Luke 15:4‑7). “God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself” (2 Co. 5:1919To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:19)). See also Matthew 9:10-13 John’s gospel is the Son “full of grace” seeking the sinner, and in that gospel he is specially seen with the sinner alone: Nicodemus, chapters 3―the Samaritan, chapters 4-the man at the pool, chapters 5; the woman, in chapters 8 the blind man whose sight was restored, in chapters 9. “He saw a man who was blind from his birth”: also 5:35-38, “Go ye... preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:1313And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. (Mark 16:13)).
It was fetching grace “Then king David sent and fetched him” (vs. 5). When a sovereign invites he commands, and a subject has no choice but come (1 John 3:2323And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. (1 John 3:23)). In the great supper (Luke 14) we have “compel them to come in.” The Holy Ghost works by the word in the soul. “You hath he quickened who were dead.” “God who is rich in mercy for his great love wherewith he loved us even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us tether with Christ.” The dead Prodigal is alive again―the lost is found―see Ephesians 2:10, 1:12-13, Luke 15:21-24,21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. (Luke 15:21‑24) Titus 3:3-73For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:3‑7). The Holy Ghost comes and fills the disciples―the wonderful works of God are spoken―thousands are fetched by grace through repentance and faith in Christ and his work unto God’s presence. “Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God” (1 Pet. 3:1818For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: (1 Peter 3:18)). “Ye who sometime were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:1313But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13)). When Mephibosheth was come unto David, he fell on his face and did reverence―see Peter, Luke 5:8: Saul, Acts 9:3: or in Revelation 1:1717And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: (Revelation 1:17). He was also called by name, “David said, Mephibosheth.” Jesus said to the persecutor from the glory, “Saul, Saul!” Mephibosheth answered, “Behold thy servant.” Saul said, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” and ever after he styles himself “Servant of Jesus Christ.” “A called Apostle” he was, for there was a voice heard by him alone (Acts 26:14-1914And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 15And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. 19Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: (Acts 26:14‑19)), but also a sinner called by name by His grace (Gal. 1:15-1615But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: (Galatians 1:15‑16);1 Tim. 1:12-1612And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. (1 Timothy 1:12‑16)). “And they that were with me saw indeed the light and were afraid, but they heard not the voice of Him that stake to me (Acts 22:99And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. (Acts 22:9)). There is always “the voice of Him that spake to me” heard when there is the hearing of faith and a sinner is fetched into His presence to experience “the kindness and philanthropy of God” (Titus 3:44But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, (Titus 3:4)).
4. It was unconditional grace (vs. 7th). “And David said unto him (1) Fear not, (2) I will surely show thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, (3) and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father, (4) and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.”, “Fear not,” is a gospel word spoken by angels at the birth and resurrection of Christ (Luke 2:9,9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. (Luke 2:9) To, Matt. 28:99And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. (Matthew 28:9)), often used by Christ Himself (Matt. 14:27; 17: 6, 7,27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. (Matthew 14:27) Matt. 28:1010Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. (Matthew 28:10); Luke 5:10, 12:32; Rev. 1:17, 2:10). Naturally sinners have just cause for fear when brought into God’s presence, knowing Him only as holy and a judge. At Sinai “so terrible was the sight that even Moses said, I do exceedingly fear and quake” (Heb. 12). Yet the voice of God in Christ reconciling the world to Himself was “fear not.” The Saviour’s presence on earth, His death, resurrection, glorification, all say to sinners “fear not.” When man fell and failed under every means by which God tried him, He fell back on his sovereign reserve of unconditional grace in Christ, and in connection with Him and His work and death He can save according to that which no failure of man could touch “his own purpose and grace” (2 Tim. 1:9, 109Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (2 Timothy 1:9‑10).) And as there was a covenant between David and Jonathan to show kindness to Saul’s house (1 Sam. 20:14-1714And thou shalt not only while yet I live show me the kindness of the Lord, that I die not: 15But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the Lord hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth. 16So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the Lord even require it at the hand of David's enemies. 17And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul. (1 Samuel 20:14‑17)); so of God and Christ it may be said, “the counsel of peace shall be between them both” (Zech. 6:1313Even he shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. (Zechariah 6:13)); for “his purpose and grace “dates from before the world began; “according as he hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:3-5,3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (Ephesians 1:3‑5) Rom. 8:28-3428And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (Romans 8:28‑34)). (2) “For Jonathan’s sake.” “God for Christ’s sake”―rather “God in Christ hath acted in grace to you” (Eph. 4:3232And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)); see also Romans 3:21-26, 5:6-11, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21,16Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:16‑21) Eph. 2:8-108For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8‑10). (3) Inheritance restored to Mephibosheth; we are begotten again to a better one (1 Peter 1:3-9,3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:3‑9) Eph. 1:3, 11, 183Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (Ephesians 1:3)
11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: (Ephesians 1:11)
18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (Ephesians 1:18)). (4) A place at the King’s table (Luke 15:22-2422But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. (Luke 15:22‑24)). This leads to this further remark―
5. It was ennobling grace (verse 11). “As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table as one of the king’s sons.” He has rank conferred on him as well as privilege. He had said, “Behold thy servant;” but David set him down at the royal table, and said he is seated there “as one of the king’s sons.” God does not only bless us with all spiritual blessings, but He has raised us up together with Christ, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, as sons― “Having predestinated us to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of his will” (Eph. 1:33Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (Ephesians 1:3)). See also Romans 8:15, 16,15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (Romans 8:15‑16) 1 John 3:1-3,1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (1 John 3:1‑3) Galatians 3:4-74Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. 5He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 6Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. (Galatians 3:4‑7). God will have us at His table only as sons― “This my son, &c. (Luke 15) Sons are we by His grace as to rank; children as to our relationship, for we are born of God (John 1:1313Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:13)); of the Spirit (John 3:3-73Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:3‑7)); of the Word (Jam. 1:18: 1 Pet. 1:23, 2523Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (1 Peter 1:23)
25But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (1 Peter 1:25)). Beloved now are we the children of God. “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:11Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (1 John 3:1)).
6. It was continuing grace (vs. 13). “So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he did eat continually at the king’s table; and was lame on both his feet.” The royal clemency was intended to be perpetual. The grace was continuous on David’s part. He knew he “was lame on both his feet” before he sent and fetched Him, and his lameness was no reason for putting him away. God has made provision in his grace for keeping us in the enjoyment of His fellowship, notwithstanding that sin is in us (1 Joh. 1, 2,). We have the advocacy of Jesus Christ the righteous, with the Father, if any man sin; and we have the Word and the priesthood of Christ to take us safely through the trials, difficulties, weakness and temptations of the wilderness journey; mercy and grace in time of need; for as our intercessor with God He ever liveth to make intercession for us, and is therefore able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him. Therefore, neither sin in us nor weakness can break our fellowship with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. Sins allowed would interrupt our joyous consciousness of it; for it is in the light, and “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” We dwell in God’s presence where sovereign grace has placed us; and eat continually at His table. God has his gratification to have us there, and he will not lose it. “Let us be merry:” “children by Christ Jesus to Himself,” that he may have his joy in us. It gratified David in a higher degree to see the lame son of Jonathan at his table, than it could gratify Mephibosheth to be there. We joy in God when, by having the love of God shed abroad in our hearts, we know that He joys in us. (See Luke 15:10,10Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. (Luke 15:10) Zechariah 3:17, Jude 24, 25,24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 24‑25) Revelation 19:77Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. (Revelation 19:7).) No fear of the perseverance of the saints, seeing that such is the perseverance of the Saviour. The found sheep is brought home. “Kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation” (1 Peter 1; John 6:44,44No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:44) John10:27-29; Rom. 8:29, 3029For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. (Romans 8:29‑30)). Herein is love with us made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, for as He is so are we in this world” (1 John 4:1717Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. (1 John 4:17)). David’s grace made Mephibosheth secure and safe in the day of judgment (2 Sam. 21:77But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the Lord's oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul. (2 Samuel 21:7)). “But the king spared Mephibosheth” (Mal. 3:16-1816Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. 17And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. 18Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. (Malachi 3:16‑18)). “And the Lord added to the church daily such as “should be saved;” for they will be caught away before the judgments come (1 Thess. 4; Rev. 3:1010Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. (Revelation 3:10)). The church goes not through the great tribulation (Matt. 24:2121For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:21); Rev. 7:1414And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Revelation 7:14)), it is caught up Enoch-like before the judgments are poured out. It will be grace to the last, for we are “caught up,” and we hope perfectly for the grace that is to be brought unto us at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:1313Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:13)). And grace that now reigns through righteousness will reign along with righteousness in the day of glory, for the perfect love of God will be enjoyed by us in heaven above, and the river of grace or the free love of God to man will flow down to and bless a prodigal world; and we who are now in such a wonderful place, and shall be displayed in it in that day, and be to the glory of His grace, will have this word fulfilled in us― “that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in His KINDNESS towards us through Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:77That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:7)).
7. It was heart-winning grace that ensured a life of loyalty and obedience (vs. 8). “And he bowed himself and said, what is thy servant that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am.” The king would remember the day when he humbled himself, and used the same expression to Saul. “After whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea?” That was the day of the outcast and persecuted David when we read “Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold” (1 Sam. 24:14-2214After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea. 15The Lord therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand. 16And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept. 17And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil. 18And thou hast showed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the Lord had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not. 19For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the Lord reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day. 20And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand. 21Swear now therefore unto me by the Lord, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house. 22And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold. (1 Samuel 24:14‑22)). Jesus too had such a day, “And every man went unto his own house. Jesus went unto the Mount of Olives” (John 7:88Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come. (John 7:8)). David was now in power, and had fetched Mephibosheth into his own presence to show him kindness; and when he heard of his kingly grace, he bowed himself, and expressed the sense he had of his own worthlessness in comparison with David. Thus were the thousands in Jerusalem led to regard themselves as dead dogs (Acts 2:3737Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? (Acts 2:37)) in presence of the glorified “Lord and Christ.” The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance (Rom. 2:44Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (Romans 2:4)). So when the Jews shall look on him whom they pierced, in the coming day (Zech. 12) they shall mourn. Paul is a pattern, (1 Tim. 1:13-1613Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. (1 Timothy 1:13‑16)). How he bowed himself under a sense of the kindness of God! “The love of Christ of constraineth us”... to live for him, who died for them and rose again (2 Cor. 5:14, 514For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: (2 Corinthians 5:14)
5Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 5:5)). Peter also when restored (John 21:15-1715So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (John 21:15‑17)). The love of God realized leads us to the judgment of ourselves; and when the heart is won the life is secured. Mephibosheth was not only pardoned, preferred, and privileged, but he was separated Lo the person of David by his kindness that associated him with himself as a son. The person of David was his separating object: he had been made to him the power of separation from all as sociations adverse to him and his interests. For when Absalom’s conspiracy took place, and Zeba had deceived him (2 Sam. 19:25, 2625And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth? 26And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame. (2 Samuel 19:25‑26)), Mephibosheth kept himself apart from Absalom and his rebellion, and he showed his regard for his exiled sovereign by not only keeping out of all those things that were opposed to David, but by living as a mourner until the day of his return (2 Sam. 19:2424And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace. (2 Samuel 19:24)). “And Mephibosheth, the son of Saul, came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.” And we know who has said, “And for their sakes sanctify I myself that they also may be sanctified by the truth” (John 17). “Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto  ... us sanctification” (1 Col. 1:30). See Paul, in Philippians 3, separated from all beneath the sun and pressing on to the goal of the glory to win Christ. Mephibosheth in his mourning is a picture of what the saints should be now that Christ is absent. Fellowship with Him where he is the power of separation. The question is not what we may do, or with whom we may go, but risen with Christ, born from above, and united with Him in the Holy Ghost where he is, we seek those things which are above―the heavenly, not the earthly things. A heart for an absent Lord to whom we owe ourselves, all we are or hope to be, gives the spring of action in keeping apart from the evil world that rejected Him. Our whole character and ways should speak the language of a mourner, a Nazarite, who will have none of this world’s joys as long as the anointed of God is by man’s “Away with Him,” an exile from his own dominion. “He is not here,” should move our hearts, regulate our conduct, and make us live in character until he return (2 Sam. 19:24-3024And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace. 25And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth? 26And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame. 27And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes. 28For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king? 29And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land. 30And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house. (2 Samuel 19:24‑30)).
“He is not here!” the One my heart loves best,
Then can I join the giddy thoughtless throng,
Who heedless of His absence careless rest,
Or fete that absence with gay mirth and song?
No! He is gone! and not the brightest ray
Can gild the scene to me while He’s away.
“He is not here!” I want Him every hour;
My soul would weary of His long delay,
Save that like perfume from a hidden flower,
The fragrance of His spices cheers the way;
Yet fills my heart with more desire to prove
The fullness of Thy presence Lord above.
March 24, 1876.
W. R.