Everyone knows the story of David and Goliath, whether you’ve never attended a church or been a thousand times. What you may not know is that David had a best friend, Jonathan, the son of King Saul of Israel. As son of the king, Jonathan was to become king upon his father’s death. Both knew that God had chosen David to succeed Saul as David was a man after God’s heart.

As was customary in those times, when one king took over for another, all members of the former king’s family were to be killed so that there would be no other claim to the throne. Because of their deep love and admiration for each other, David and Jonathan made a promise, a covenant to each other. No matter what happened, who ever survived from either’s family, would become part of the other’s family.

One fateful day, both King Saul and Jonathan were killed in a battle. When news arrived at the palace, Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s young son was dropped by his nurse, in the confusion to escape and became lame. After some time, when King David had united the nation of Israel, he asked if there was any left from the family of Saul. Mephibosheth, the only survivor, was called before the king. Fully expecting to be killed, Mephibosheth was overwhelmed by David’s response. Not only would his life be spared, he would have a place at the king’s table, a rightful member of the king’s family with all of it’s benefits. He would become a prince of Israel.

1. Everyone has the right to hear the good

news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. When they hear the gospel of Jesus, they have the right to accept Jesus as their personal savior.

3. As a follower of Jesus Christ, everyone has the right to grow in their faith in Him, to be discipled.

4. As they grow and are discipled, everyone, regardless of their limitations has the right to serve Jesus Christ and His church.