HOW WILL THE KING FIND YOU? – The Church Of Christ, 15 Grey Street, Warri

Text: 2 Samuel 19:15-39

By: KAINE, Marvis

Introduction

History records many kings who left and returned, but none compare to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. David’s return to Jerusalem after Absalom’s rebellion is more than a political restoration; it is a prophetic picture of Christ’s future return.

David was rejected, humiliated, betrayed, and forced into exile. Yet he returned in victory. Likewise, Jesus Christ was rejected by His own people, crucified, buried, raised from the dead, and ascended into heaven. One day He will return in power and great glory.

The first time Jesus came, He came as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The next time He comes, He will come as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:11-16).

When David returned, people could no longer remain neutral. Their previous attitudes toward the king were exposed. In the same way, the return of Christ will expose every heart.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

The question is not whether Christ will return. The question is: How will He find us when He returns?

THE RETURN OF THE KING REVEALS THE HEART

Times of testing reveal character, but the return of the king reveals where our loyalty truly lies.

Malachi 3:18 says: “Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.” Many people appear religious while circumstances are favorable. Yet when trials come, their devotion disappears.

Jesus warned: “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold” (Matthew 24:12). The true test of discipleship is not how we serve during seasons of blessing but how we remain faithful during seasons of difficulty.

Lessons From Shimei: The Danger Of Temporary Repentance

Shimei represents people whose relationship with God is based on convenience rather than conviction.

When David was weak, Shimei cursed him.
When David was victorious, Shimei sought mercy.
His actions remind us of Pharaoh, who repeatedly asked for relief from judgment but never truly surrendered to God (Exodus 8:8,15).
Many people seek God only when facing crisis.
They pray during sickness.
They seek God during financial hardship.
They become religious when judgment seems near.

Yet genuine repentance involves a changed heart, not merely changed circumstances.

God declares: “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6). Mercy is God’s invitation to repentance, not permission to continue in sin.

Romans 2:4 reminds us: “The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.”

Lesson from Ziba: The Danger of Selfish Ambition

Ziba used David’s moment of weakness for personal advantage. When David was fleeing from Absalom, Ziba brought supplies but also accused Mephibosheth of betrayal (2 Samuel 16:1-4). His action looked helpful on the surface, but his motive was questionable.

Ziba reminds us that some people use crisis as an opportunity to promote themselves. They appear loyal, but their loyalty is mixed with personal ambition.

Proverbs 12:22 says: “Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.”

Ziba gained property through accusation, but he lost the beauty of integrity. This teaches us that God is not only interested in what we do, but also why we do it.

Lessons from Ziba

Never use another person’s weakness to advance yourself.
Do not build your success on false accusation.
Helping others should come from sincerity, not hidden ambition.
God sees the motive behind every service.
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3.

Lessons From Mephibosheth: Loving The King More Than The Kingdom

Mephibosheth stands as one of the most beautiful examples of devotion in Scripture.

His concern was not property.
His concern was not inheritance.
His concern was not reputation.
His concern was the king.

This reflects the attitude of the Apostle Paul: “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8).

Many people want the blessings of Christ. Few desire Christ Himself. The true believer treasures the presence of the King above the gifts of the King.

David’s safe return brought greater joy to Mephibosheth than the restoration of his estate. Likewise, believers eagerly await the return of Christ. “Titus 2:13” – “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Lessons From Barzillai: Finishing Well

Barzillai teaches us that faithfulness is not measured by how we begin but by how we finish.

Many start well, few finish well.

Paul could testify near the end of his life: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

Barzillai’s age did not stop his usefulness.
His generosity did not diminish.
His humility remained intact.
His focus shifted from receiving blessings to leaving a legacy.

This is the mark of spiritual maturity.

The world asks:

“What can I gain?”

The mature believer asks:

“What can I give?”

Jesus said:

“It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

The Return Of The Greater King

The return of David was local.

The return of Christ will be global.
David returned to Jerusalem.
Christ will return to the earth.
David reclaimed a throne.
Christ will establish an everlasting kingdom.
David judged a nation.
Christ will judge the world.

Revelation 22:12 records the words of Jesus: “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”

No one will be overlooked.
No act of service will be forgotten.
No sacrifice will go unnoticed.
No hidden sin will remain concealed.

Everything will be brought into the light.

Ecclesiastes 12:14 says: “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

How Will The King Find You?

Will He find you like Shimei, serving only when it is convenient?
Will He find you like Ziba, pursuing personal gain at the expense of truth?
Will He find you like Mephibosheth, longing for the King’s presence above all else?
Will He find you like Barzillai, faithful, fruitful, and finishing well?
Or will He find you watching, praying, serving, and eagerly awaiting His appearing?

Jesus asked a sobering question: “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8).

Conclusion

The return of David revealed the hearts of men. The return of Christ will reveal the hearts of all humanity.
The King is coming.
The signs are all around us.
The world is changing.
Prophecy is unfolding.
The trumpet will sound, the dead in Christ shall rise, the saints shall be caught up together with them, and the King shall appear.

Therefore, “Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 24:44).