Scripture
2 Samuel 9:1
“David asked, ‘Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’”
Sermon Summary
This story takes us back about 3,000 years. King Saul, who was jealous of David—anointed by God—tried many times to kill him. In the midst of this threat, David and Saul’s son Jonathan made a covenant before God in the forest: no matter who became king or who died, they would protect each other’s descendants.
Eventually, Saul and his household perished, and David became king. To honor his covenant with Jonathan, David summoned Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. As a crippled man from a fallen royal family, Mephibosheth must have trembled in fear, expecting death when David called for him. Yet what he received was unconditional grace and blessing. When David kept his covenant, Mephibosheth’s life was completely transformed, and he loved and obeyed the king wholeheartedly.
Later, when Absalom rebelled and sought to kill David, the king fled once again. Mephibosheth could not join him because his servant Ziba deceived him. When David returned and asked for an explanation, Mephibosheth did not insist on his innocence but simply said, “Do whatever seems good to you, my lord the king.” His heart was filled with sorrow, and David ordered that his property be divided with Ziba. Yet Mephibosheth replied, “Let him take it all, since my lord the king has returned safely.” He was a man who loved and obeyed the king to the very end.
If the grace Mephibosheth received when David kept his covenant was so great, how much greater is the grace we receive when the King of kings, God Himself, keeps His covenant through Jesus Christ. God sent His Word in the flesh to save us from sin. Even facing death, Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” fully submitting to the Father.
Today, are we living in full obedience to God? Do we trust the God who always keeps His covenant? Do we acknowledge Jesus, who was crucified to forgive our sins, as our Savior? Just as Mephibosheth received grace when David kept his covenant, we too receive grace when God keeps His covenant. In 2026, may we live a year of obedience to the King of kings, just like Mephibosheth.
Personal Reflection
In 2025, I longed for the restoration of my faith. Yet I ask myself: did I truly give my whole heart to God? Did I worship unconsciously, out of habit? Did I fall into idolizing myself—the “me” who believes, the “me” who praises—rather than worshiping God? Did I become proud or hypocritical by boasting of my knowledge of Him?
Looking back, I realize my faith was incomplete, half-hearted. I withheld my time, my resources, and my heart. But hearing the story of Mephibosheth in the first sermon of 2026, I began to expect how God might lead my life when I fully obey Him. This year, I resolve to set my faith in proper order and live in true obedience.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Lord of my life,
Thank You for allowing me to know You again through 2025 and for granting me the grace of restored faith. Through the journey of healing that began with my grandfather’s passing, I experienced peace and spiritual fullness. Yet I still face my shortcomings.
In 2026, I look forward to how You will refine my weaknesses. Lead me into a year of hope and expectation as I draw near to You.
I pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.