Beautiful in Its Time

I. SERMON OPENING

Ice Breaker:
Have you ever felt that life is “late”?
Late success, late happiness, late answers from God?

Rhetorical Question:
“Why does everyone else seem ahead while I’m still waiting?”
“Did God forget about me?”

Today, through the story of Mephibosheth, we learn this truth:
God is never late. Everything is beautiful in His time.

II. TEXT BACKGROUND

In ancient times, when a new king rose to power, the previous king’s family was usually destroyed. Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, was disabled and socially powerless.

Yet, 2 Samuel 9 begins with a question of grace.

III. SERMON POINTS

Point 1: God’s Covenant Love Searches Us

2 Samuel 9:1
“Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”

Hebrew word: Ḥesed – covenant love, unearned grace.

Theology:
Grace begins with God’s initiative.

Parallel Verses:
Isaiah 55:8–9 – God’s ways are higher.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 – Everything beautiful in its time.

Point 2: God Lifts the Broken at the Right Time

Mephibosheth lived in Lo-Debar – a place of no pasture, no hope.

Theology:
God calls us not because we are whole, but because He is gracious.

Parallel Verses:
Isaiah 61:1
1 Corinthians 1:27

Point 3: Grace Changes Identity and Future

2 Samuel 9:7
“You shall always eat at my table.”

Theology:
Grace adopts us into the King’s family.

Parallel Verses:
Romans 8:15
Ephesians 2:8–9

IV. ILLUSTRATION

Waiting seasons are not wasted seasons. God uses them to prepare us.

V. YOUTH ACTIVITIES

• Reflection journaling
• Group prayer
• Creative poster making

VI. CLOSING

Call to Response:
Trust God’s timing.

Poetic Ending:
The flower blooms not in haste,
Yet shines at the perfect time.
So is your life in God’s hand,
Beautiful, planned, divine.