Sermon for 08/13/06

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Sermon for 08/13/06
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David: A Man After God’s Own Heart! – Grace in a Barren Place

Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, AMEN

Main Theme: This summer we will study the amazing story of David – a shepherd boy who became King! Today, in our 7^th week, we find David mourning the loss of his best friend Jonathon, which leads to a great illustration of grace! Grace – unmerited favor is extended to someone who doesn’t deserve it, who hasn’t earned it, and can never pay it back – is extended to Mephibosheth. Every part of this Old Testament story reminds us that 1) humanity (Adam and Eve) once knew what it was to be in close relationship with God, 2) we suffered a fall and hid in fear, 3) God demonstrated grace through Jesus Christ, 4) we had nothing to offer God and did not deserve it, nor could we pay it back, 5) we were restored to a place of honor and fellowship with God, 6) we were adopted into his family, 7) our sin is a constant reminder of grace, and 8) we are now treated as important as every other son and daughter of God! Grace truly is AMAZING! (Based on Chuck Swindoll’s book “David” and other research.)

1) GRACE? Grace can mean many things to many people. Often we say a ballet dancer has grace. We say grace at meals. We talk about how the Queen of England can bring grace to the events she attends. So it can mean coordination of movement, it can mean prayer, or it can refer to dignity and elegance. But for Christians, grace means unmerited favor – extending special favor to someone who doesn’t deserve it, who hasn’t earned it, and can never repay it. It’s a divine love so amazing because it means “There is nothing we can do to make God love us more, and nothing we can do to make God love us less – He just loves us!” And unfortunately… some people think that you can only read about grace in the New Testament, while the Old Testament is all about LAW! Nothing could be further from the truth – especially in light of what happens today in David story!

2) UNDESERVED/UNEARNED/UNREPAYABLE! Last week we mentioned how our warrior David had been made King and how He and the nation of Israel and Judah were experiencing an interlude of peace and calm. No wars, lots of prosperity, and time to think! And he thought a lot about his best friend Jonathon. Though years had passed since Jonathon and his father King Saul had been killed in battle – still David grieved. While contemplating Jonathon’s and Saul’s impact on his life, something moved him into action. (2 Samuel 9:1) David asked, “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathon’s sake?” Many academians believe the better translation of the Hebrew word “kindness” could be and should be rendered “grace”… “to whom I can show grace for Jonathon’s sake”. And what David is taking about is positive and unconditional acceptance in spite of the other person. Grace is a demonstration of love that is undeserved, unearned, and unrepayable. David wants to know if there are any existing relatives of Jonathon to whom he can show that kind of love.

3) PROMISES! Why? Well, David had made two promises long ago. After David had had a few close calls where King Saul in a fit of jealously had tried to kill him, Jonathon said to David at that time: (1 Samuel 20:13-14) “But if my father is inclined to harm you, may the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely if I do not let you know and send you away safely. May the Lord be with you as he has been with my father. But show me unfailing kindness (grace) like that of the Lord as long as I may live, so that I may not be killed…” See, in those days, in was the custom for the new King to exterminate all the previous dynasty to eliminate any chance of conspiracy and revolt. So Jonathon is asking that he and his family be shown grace when David becomes King, and not the end of a sword. Without hesitation David agreed. (1 Samuel 20:16-17) “So Jonathon made a covenant with the house of David, saying ‘May the Lord call David’s enemies into account.’ And Jonathon had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.” David would keep that promise!

4) THE OTHER PROMISE! The other promise came when Saul was chasing him, and the King went into a cave to relieve himself, not knowing that David was hiding in it and could have killed him easily – but David chose not to. Instead he quietly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe and then waited until Saul started crossing the valley. When the King was far enough away to hear him but not harm him, David held the corner of Saul’s robe up and announcing loudly that he had had an opportunity to kill the King …but did not. Saul, moved by this merciful act, ashamedly declares (1 Samuel 24:20-22) “‘I know you will surely be king, and that the Kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands. Now swear to me by the Lord that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s family.’ And David swore to Saul…” This was the other promise David would fulfill!

5) ANYONE! Now note: David asks, “Is there anyone?” in the family to bless. He doesn’t ask, “Is there anyone qualified?” or “Is there anyone worthy?” He doesn’t care about that! And this is what unqualified acceptance based on unconditional love is all about. Well, guess what – they identified someone. (2 Samuel 9:2-3) “Now there was a servant of Saul’s household named Ziba. They called him to appear before David, and the king said to him, ‘Are you Ziba?’ ‘Your servant,” he replied. The king asked, ‘Is there no one still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?’ Ziba answered, “There is still a son of Jonathon; he is crippled in both feet.” Reading between the lines we can sense some hesitation in this answer – “Well, yeh there’s a relative, but David, this guy may not look good in your court. He doesn’t fit into the surroundings, the beautiful palace! Are you sure you want a cripple hanging around the throne?” But David ignores this attitude and moves right on… (vs. 4) “Where is he?” the king asked. Ziba answered, “He is in the house Machir the son of Ammiel in Lo-debar.” Likewise, God’s grace is not for the qualified or worthy – it is for anyone!

6) MEPHI! Notice the location “Lo-debar”: Lo means “no” and debar means “pasture”. So this descendent is living in an obscure, barren, desolate locastion! Even though David doesn’t ask how he became crippled, we’re told in 2^nd Samuel (4:4) “Jonathon, son of Saul, had a son who was lame in both feet. He was 5 years old the news about Saul and Jonathon came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she hurried to leave, he fell and became crippled. His name was Mephibosheth.” (We’re gonna call him “Mephi” for short!) So… Mephi is permanently disabled and has been hiding away for years – fearful of his life. Therfore, when soldiers come to his house on the King’s orders, this young man most likely thought his time was up! Mephi said goodbye to his young family for what he thought was the last time, and went to meet his end.

7) A FACE FULL OF GRACE! Arriving in Jerusalem, Mephi humbly prostrates himself before David – having no idea of what to expect. (2 Samuel 9:7) “And David said to him, ‘Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness (grace) to you for the sake of your father Jonathon, and will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul; and you shall eat at my table regularly.’” It must have taken some time for the words to sink in – but imagine what Mephi must have felt to realize that instead of a sword to his neck, he was about to be restored to the position of royalty! As Mephi looks into the face of David in disbelief, he sees that it is a face full of Grace! It is a face, unlike all other faces he has seen, for instead of saying “NO”, David’s face says “Yes” – and just like that, someone who is undeserving, can’t earn it, and never be able to repay it, receives a place of honor, becomes a member of the royal family, and eats at the King’s table! Mephi had looked into the face of a king full of grace!

8) A “YES” FACE! President Thomas Jefferson, who was with a group of men riding cross-country on horseback, once came to a swollen river. Another man at the river’s edge watched as one by one the men started across. He then asked Jefferson if he would be willing to give him a lift to the other side – which he did. Out of curiosity, a member of the party asked the man why he chose to ask the president for such a favor. “The president?” the man answered. “I didn’t know he was the president. All I know is that on some faces is written the answer “no” and on some faces is written the answer “yes”. His was a “yes” face”. When Mephi looked up at David, it was a “yes” face! “Yes” faces are faces full of grace! Let me ask you – when people look into your face, do they see a “no” or a “yes” face? I believe that any Christian who has truly experienced and reflected upon the awesome grace of God, their lives change, and the develop “yes” faces!

9) TABLE CLOTHE OF GRACE! Imagine the royal supper table in the years to follow: The meal is fixed, the dinner bell rings, and the family and guests start arriving at the table. There’s nobility, impressive warriors, perhaps foreign dignitaries. Then comes David’s son Absalom, handsome, in the latest fashion, without a blemish on him. Tamar – his daughter, is beautiful and tender. And there’s Solomon – late as usual because he just could not put his book down – he’s been studying all day. And then you hear clump, clump, clump… and it’s Mephi – hobbling along. He smiles and humbly joins the others as he takes his place among the King’s sons and daughters. And the table clothe of grace covers his feet. That must have been an amazing sight – made possible because of amazing grace!

10) DAVID, JESUS, AND GRACE! This story – while breathtakingly beautiful is NOT a unique experience in history. It has been played out again and again in the Kingdom of God. But there was one display of unconditional love that has NEVER been rivaled! Let’s look at how David’s story and Jesus’ story compare, and how grace breaks down – let’s look at the qualities that make it so amazing.

11) ONCE: CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE KING! First, 1) Mephi once enjoyed uninterrupted fellowship with his father – son of King Saul. Hmmm… Adam and Eve once walked in the cool of the garden with their Creator-Father. Each once knew what it was like to be in close relationship with the King!

12) SIN: A FALL THAT CRIPPLES! Secondly, 2) When Mephi’s nurse fled in fear – he was dropped and he suffered a fall. It left him crippled all his life. Likewise, when sin came in the Garden, Adam and Eve hid in fear! All of humanity has been spiritual invalids ever since! Our spiritual fall due to sin leaves us crippled!

13) DEMONSTRATED GRACE! Thirdly, 3) David, the King, out of sheer love for Jonathon, demonstrated Grace to his handicapped son. So God, out of His love for his Son, Jesus, (and the penalty He paid for on the cross), demonstrated Grace to us – believing sinners! God has never stopped seeking out people who are spiritually disabled. He looks for those who are dead inside, or lost in their sins, those hiding from God, the broken, fearful, lonely, and confused. You and I are walking with God today simply because our Father demonstrates His grace to us out of His love for His Son!

14) NOTHING TO OFFER! YET LOVE AND GRACE! The fourth quality is what is so amazing - 4) Mephi deserved nothing, earned nothing, could repay nothing… and never once tried to win the king’s favor. He had been hiding from the King. The same is true of us! We deserve nothing, have earned nothing, and can repay God nothing! We were all hiding when God found us! Some of us were addicted to drugs, or alchohol, or gambling. Some were trapped in the need for fame, popularity, and prestige. Some worshipped the idol “money” and the “material things” it could buy. Some of us could think of nothing but selfish pleasures, thrill seeking experiences, or sex. Some of us were lost in meaninglessness and depression. Other were trapped in empty ritual and religion – but the fact is, we had nothing to offer the Lord. There was not one “work” any of us preformed that made us worthy, pure, or righteous. And yet, the King has set his heart on us! That’s not just great! It’s GRACE! We’re flooded with love and forgiveness we cannot earn, don’t deserve, and can never repay! Is there anything as freeing as grace? God chooses to do what we cannot – saying, “My beloved child, you are mine! Despite your weaknesses, cracks, and imperfections, I will take you just as you are! …crutches, hang-ups, and liabilities! You see, I just love you!”

15) RESTORED! Then comes some amazing healing – as fifthly, 5) we see that David RESTORED Mephi from a place of barrenness to a place of honor. This broken, handicapped person hiding in a place of poverty was brought into a palace of plenty, right into the courtyard of the King! The analogy is clear. God has taken us from the broken place where we were and brought us to where He is – to a place of fellowship with Him. What Adam lost, Jesus restored!

16) ADOPTED AS FAMILY! The sixth quality of grace is 6) that David adopted Mephi into his family! He became one the King’s sons. So too, God did this for us – adopted us into His family, and said, “You sit at My table, you enjoy My food, I give you my life!” Every Christian is adopted as family members of God!

17) OUR LIMP! A CONSTANT REMINDER OF GRACE! Let us not forget that 7) Mephi’s disability was a constant reminder of grace! Yes, someday in heaven his crutches will be taken away, but during his time here on the earth he still limped! It reminded him, “I am in this magnificent place, enjoying the pleasures of this position because of the grace of the King and nothing else!” Likewise, you and I still limp through life, always crippled by the sin that always messes up our life! And yet that sinful limp reminds us - “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness!” (1^st John 1:9) See…, our sin, our limp - is a constant reminder that grace is available!

18) EQUALLY LOVED SONS AND DAUGHTERS! And finally, 8) when Mephi sat at the table of the king, he was treated just like any other son of the king. That’s the way it has always been, is now, and will forever be with God! When we sit down with the Apostles some day to enjoy the feast, Peter and Paul and John will all be our equals! That’s Martin Luther passing the potatoes, and Abraham asking if you want more dessert! King David is passing out napkins, and Isaiah is telling a joke! Mother Mary is talking to your mom, and Mother Theresa is laughing with Uncle Harry. All precious in His sight! Including you! And you will realize that God loves you no more, but no less than all the saints that came before you and after you! He loves you like He loves all His other son’s and daughters. And at the head of the table is Jesus who looks at you with that “Yes” face! …yes, you are mine! And you are as important to me as all my other son’s and daughters!”

19) LOVE IS OURS BECAUSE OF GOD’S GRACE! Friends, if you can even begin to grasp the awesomeness of this gift of God’s grace – how can you look at the world around you in the same way you once did? There are countless people that you have contact with each day who are used to seeing nothing but “no” faces! In this broken and inhospitable world, they look into the mirror of truth and see their own brokenness and wonder… if anyone could truly and unconditionally love them. Could anyone see past their faults and still accept them right where they are? They search the faces in the crowd for someone who might have a “Yes” face – will they find one in you? Grace, true grace, breaks down all the barriers, all the fences that say “No” – “Keep out” – “Privileged personnel only!” Once you have been accepted unconditionally by Jesus, there can be “us verse them”; Lutherans verses the Lost, members verses non-members, Latino verses Caucasian – for in God’s eyes we are equally loved! None of us have deserved God’s love, earned God’s love, or can repay God’s love! And yet, there it is – ours! Because of God’s Grace! Pure, wonderful, life-giving Grace!

20) “YES” OR “NO” FACE? In a world of full of “no” faces, it’s easy to forget that! It’s easy to start doubting God loves you that much! …that He can easily forget our sins! …that He so eagerly invites us to His table – to a place of honor as an adopted son and daughter in His family! Yes, in a world of “no” faces” we forget. But when we look up at that cross this morning, and we see just how much He suffered and how much He must have loved us – we see the miracle of Grace! This week, I promise you that God will place in front of you a person that will not deserve, cannot earn, and will never be able to repay your love - should you give it. When they encounter you, will the face they see be a “yes” face, or a “no” face?

21) JESUS SAYS “YES!” Jesus is here today not only to remind you of His amazing grace and unconditional love – but to empower you to “pass it on.” You cannot do this by yourself or through your own power. So His Holy Spirit is tugging on the door of your heart this very moment, asking to be let in to fill your soul with God’s grace. He longs to enable you and I to do what we cannot do by ourselves – reflect Jesus’ “yes” face to the rest of the world! Receive the greatest love, the life-giving love, the unconditional love that you did not deserve, nor earn, nor are able to repay! The King of Grace is looking deep into your eyes – can you see it written all over his face:Jesus is saying “Yes! Yes I love you! Yes you are mine! Yes – let us feast together as a loving family forever!”

Praise God!

AMEN

Sermon/Confessional Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we confess that too often we forget about your amazing grace. Sometimes we think we have deserved, or earned, or can repay you for your unconditional love! Forgive us! Help us to see that we are crippled spiritually by our sin, and yet have been accepted, loved and adopted into your family as a result of pure Grace. Help us to never forget, or take for granted this precious gift!

Lord, we admit, too often among both strangers and our neighbors we wear “no” faces and selectively give our love only to those we like, or who can repay that love. Forgive us for not being constant dispensers of your grace! Do for us, what we cannot do for ourselves! Help us… empower us to let your grace flow through us! Let those who are lost, lonely, or hurt and seeking someone who cares, see in us a “yes” face – one that reflects your mercy and grace that lives within us!

And now Lord, although you know us better than we know ourselves, listen as we share in a moment of silence, those other parts of our lives that need to be forgiven, washed clean, healed, and recommitted to you! (made anew.)

(Silence)

Lord, like your servant David, we pray that you will use us to pour your grace into the lives of those we see and touch each day! May our spiritual limp – that is our struggle with sin every day – always cause us to seek your forgiving merciful arms… and let it remind us that the greatest gift (your loving gift of grace given in Christ) is always ours! In Jesus Name We Pray. AMEN

Assurance of Forgiveness:

Friends, listen to the good news: The Lord, who is the source of the life-giving grace we all seek, …that Lord has mercifully heard your confession and eagerly forgives you all your sins. Go now, and remember: None of us deserve, can earn, or can repay God’s love! It comes to us as a gift of God’s amazing grace! Let us, with God’s help, go and share this precious gift with those He loves! Praise God! AMEN

Opening prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, it seems we live in a world that is good at saying “No!” No to love. No to acceptance. No to help. This week, many of us have looked into the faces of countless “no” faces – people who have no time, no energy, no concern for us. But when we enter this Holy Place, we look up at the cross and see a blessed face that says “Yes”! Yes to acceptance, to forgiveness, to healing, to guidance, and to love! Though we are broken, weak, confused, and undeserving – you welcome us into your loving embrace, and draw us ever closer to your life-giving heart! You are a God of Grace – and while we seem to forget that so easily during the week, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to motivate us to come here this morning and stand under the waterfall of your love! Soak us in your grace! And fill us so full that we may walk out and dispense that gracious love to others we meet! Though the rest of the world says “no”, help us to be the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus that says “Yes” to the lost, lonely, and forgotten that are seeking what we all need: love! Teach us to be the receivers and givers of your amazing grace! In Jesus Name We Pray! AMEN!

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