“And the King said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.” (2 Samuel 9:3).
There are parallels between the life of Mephibosheth and the grace which the Christian believer enjoys in Christ Jesus. Mephibosheth was a grandson of Saul, and an immediate son of Jonathan. He was probably the only surviving son in the house of Jonathan at this time. Though he had a disability, yet because of the covenant which his father, Jonathan had with David, his status, after many years of neglect was changed. He was invited by King David to come and dine with the King and all that belonged to Jonathan was restored to him. David’s kindness to Mephibosheth shows that covenants affects not only the initial partners, but their seeds as well (1 Samuel 20:23, 42).
There are six things that happened to Mephibosheth because of the covenant his father, Jonathan had with David (1 Samuel 18:1-3; 20:14-17, 23, 42; 2 Samuel 21:7).
First, he became an inheritor or beneficiary of a covenant that was struck years before he was born. Today, we are inheritors of the blessings of the New Testament covenant (Galatians 3:13-17).
Second, due to the Covenant between David and Jonathan, his son Mephibosheth was remembered (2 Samuel 9:3).
Third, due to the Covenant, Mephibosheth was recognized (2 Samuel 9:6, 8).
Four, due to the covenant, David invited him to his presence (2 Samuel 9:5-8). Mephibosheth’s humble posture and gratitude to David when he was invited into the King’s presence suggests to us how we must remain eternally grateful to Christ for all he has done for us. Jesus condescended to die and save us.
Five, the covenant led to the restoration of Jonathan’s inheritance to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:7).
Six, the covenant led to his elevation and promotion (2 Samuel 9: 7,10).
INHERITORS OF A COVENANT BLESSING
Like many believers today, Mephibosheth was a child of the covenant but was hardly aware of his rights, authority and divine status. Due to his ignorance and disability, a servant by the name of Ziba usurped his position, privileges and inheritance. But all these changed when David came to the scene. TODAY, we are inheritors of the New Testament covenant which Jesus made with his blood. Satan, the usurper of our blessings has long been defeated and our blessings restored.
- WE HAVE BEEN REMEMBERED (Jeremiah 29:11)
Due to the covenant, David remembered Mephibosheth.
- WE HAVE BEEN INVITED (Ephesians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:21).
Due to the covenant, David invited Mephibosheth. In Christ we have been invited and made to sit with Christ in the heavenly places. Also, In Christ all who are thirsty have been invited to come and drink from the fountain of life. John 7:37
- WE ARE RECOGNIZED
Due to the covenant, Mephibosheth was recognized. In Christ Jesus we have been recognized.
- WE ARE RESTORED (Ephesians 1:11; 2:19).
Due to the covenant, the inheritance of Mephibosheth was restored. So, also, we now have an inheritance in Christ; our inheritance has been restored in Christ.
- WE ARE ELEVATED (Ephesians 2:5, 6).
Because of the covenant, Mephibosheth was elevated to eat with the king. We have been elevated and made to sit with Christ in the heavenly place (Ephesians 2:5, 6).
Just as David lifted Mephibosheth from the dark side of life to prominence, so has Jesus lifted us up from sin to righteousness, from hopelessness to optimism, from darkness to light, from poverty to prosperity, and from sickness to wholeness. There is a Mephibosheth around whom God wants to elevate to a place of prominence. You may be the one!
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