Unlikely Hero: The Power Of Kindness

 

Series Summary

David has been described as a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22). But as we read through the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, as David enters the narrative of Israel's history, David was unknown. He was young. He was a shepherd. He was overlooked. He was unlikely. But God pointed him out to Samuel and said, "David is my choice. He's the next king. And he's the one I will use to build the family line from which the Messiah will one day come." But David was a very unlikely choice. He failed, and he failed often. Bathsheba... Absalom... The census... And yet God describes him as a man after his own heart. Why? David was chosen by God because of his character. Character doesn’t mean perfection. David was far from perfect. But David always pursued the Lord. David maintained his character, no matter what. All the way to the point of repentance when necessary. This summer, we will look at several events that take place in the life of David: His calling. His victories. His friendships. His failures. His legacy. We will look at the life of David. But David is not the main character. The main character is Jesus. What we will see in David is a life that foreshadows Christ. And we will see how we can better reflect Christ in our own character, and in our own lives.

Sermon Summary

David is king. He secures his borders, and establishes his nation. Things are finally at a sense of stability, both for the nation of Israel and for David as an individual. And the first thing he does is reflect upon his promise to his friend Jonathan. He remembers the covenant they made, and he recognizes the sacrifices that Jonathan made for David to be where he is now. So David begins to look for a way to fulfill his vow to his friend. David locates Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, and calls him to Jerusalem. And what David does next is astounding. He shows kindness and compassion to the grandson of his former enemy, and offers him a place at David's table. Jesus did the same thing for us: he came to us, and offered kindness and compassion to us, even when we are mired in the muck of sin, and as enemies of God. Jesus restores us, just as David restored Mephibosheth. That's the power of grace!