A New Covenant Illustration

The sermon by Tommy Walls delves into the biblical narrative of the covenant between David and Jonathan, as found in the books of 1st and 2nd Samuel. The sermon begins by emphasizing the power of storytelling, particularly the story of the Gospel, which is the greatest story ever told. It then moves on to recount the deep friendship and covenant between David and Jonathan, the son of King Saul. This covenant is framed as a foreshadowing of the New Covenant in Christ.The sermon details the last meeting between David and Jonathan, where they reaffirm their covenant. It also discusses the animosity between King Saul and David, fueled by Saul's jealousy. After the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, David remembers his covenant and seeks to show kindness to any remaining members of Saul's house for Jonathan's sake. This leads him to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's lame son, who lives in Lodebar, a barren place symbolizing hopelessness.Mephibosheth is brought to David and is treated with kindness, not because of anything he has done, but because of David's covenant with Jonathan. He is given a place at the king's table and becomes like one of David's sons. The sermon points out that all of this is symbolic of the New Covenant in Christ. Just as Mephibosheth was lame and living in a barren place, humanity is spiritually lame and lives in a barren world due to the Fall. Yet, God, remembering His covenant, shows kindness to humanity for the sake of Jesus Christ.The sermon concludes by encouraging the congregation to find solace in the cross of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that the kindness shown to them is because of the eternal covenant between God the Father and God the Son. It calls for people to turn from their barren lives and come into the presence of the King, who offers them a place at His table and an inheritance as His children.