Mephibosheth A Man Of Misfortune

Introduction We live in a world of misfortune We must learn to deal with it in our own lives and be considerate of those who also suffer from misfortune This lesson deals with a man who experienced misfortune in his life

I. About The Man He was the son of Jonathan 2 Sam. 4:4 His father and many other relatives died in the Philistine wars He was crippled at the age of 5 He lived in seclusion for several years 2 Sam. 9:3-5

Mephibosheth, Man of Misfortune I. About The Man He later married and had a son named Mica When David became king he elevated Mephibosheth to a place of honor This action was related to the relationship between David and Jonathan Biography

I. About The Man 1 Sam. 18:1 1 Sam. 20:14-16, 42 David never forgot the pledge he made Now, some 15-20 years had gone by

I. About The Man Mephibosheth was betrayed by his servant Ziba 2 Sam. 16:1-4 He was later cleared of the false charges 2 Sam. 19:24-30

I. About The Man Orphaned at 5 Lost his family in war Lost his right to the throne Was crippled in an accident Lost his possessions, his position in life and almost his own life

I. About The Man When cleared he only received half of his inheritance Yet he had a great attitude even with all the adversity He willingly submitted to David He was rewarded because of his father Jonathan’s goodness toward David

2. Lessons For Us 1. From David we learn we should honor our commitments, no matter how much time may have passed 2. Christians, like David, must be generous towards all men Gal. 6:10

2. Lessons For Us 3. We can serve God even if we have a body hindered by disease or deformity 2 Cor. 4:16 4. David showed Mephibosheth the kindness of Jehovah- 1 Sam. 20:14-15 Christ has shown it to us by saving our souls Titus 3:4,5

2. Lessons For Us 5. Mephibosheth’s blessings had nothing to do with his intellect, his goodness, his wealth, or infirmity. He was blest because of whose son he was. So with us! Eph. 1:3

Conclusion Let us follow the good example of Mephibosheth who was content even while facing many problems in life

References Outlined from chapter in Pen Portraits, by John Waddey