1. Mephibosheth
A Man Of Misfortune

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

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

13. References
Outlined from chapter in Pen Portraits, by John Waddey