1. 2 Samuel 9 Mephibosheth….shameful

2. The story doesn’t start here 1 Sam 20,30-32 Saul’s ranting 1 Sam20,42 the covenant between Jonathan and David 1 Sam24,16-21David had spared Saul’s life, as explained in the earlier verses David had also sworn an oath with Saul

3. Ziba an old retainer Many of Saddam Hussain’s civil servants were re engaged by the new Iraqi regime V2 is there anyone left? V4 Mephibosheth lives in Lo Debar Shameful is living in nowhere! No hope, no blessings, no future

4. Mephibosheth is brought to David V6 called by name V7 the king’s explanation V9 Mephibosheth’s reaction, ‘a dead dog like me’ Anything to say to us?

5. We are just as lost We are shameful, dead dogs living up some backwater, leading nowhere Praise God for His old servants who can present our circumstances before OUR King of Kings

6. Mephibosheth was restored He had been born a royal son but because of his father’s sin was now far away from his rightful heritage We were created to ‘know God and enjoy Him forever’ Sin gets in the way, not only spoiling the present but robbing us of hope for the future

7. V10 you will always eat at my table When seated at a banquet, it is NOT obvious that both your legs are broken Mephibosheth had been dropped by his nurse on receipt of the news of Saul and Jonathan’s demise. 2 Sam 4,4 Things have happened in our past to apparently spoil our chances for the future. Sin inherited and outworked

8. Roman Road to salvation 3.23all have sinned 6.23wages of sin 5.8Christ died for us 3.24justified by grace 10.13call on His name 10.9confess with your mouth Tell the world what God has done for US