More to Life
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“So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king’s table. And he was lame in both his feet.” (II Samuel 9:13, NKJV)
This is the story of an unlikely friendship, a promise made, a promise kept, and unexpected kindness. You can read the entire story in I and II Samuel, but this is a short version of what happened between the king of Israel, his son, grandson, and a shepherd boy.
Jonathan and David
This is the backstory of the unlikely friendship between Jonathan, King Saul’s son, and David, a shepherd. As the oldest son, Jonathan was the presumed heir to the throne of Israel. However, God instructed the prophet Samuel to anoint David as the next king. King Saul hated David and tried many times to kill him. Jonathan, however, felt no jealousy. The two were more like brothers and had formed a strong bond.
In I Samuel 20 David pledged to keep a covenant of kindness toward Jonathan’s family forever. This was a promise David never forgot.
Mephibosheth is hidden
The life of Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, was forever marked by the events of a single day. As a five-year-old child, he may not have understood everything happening around him. On that day, his grandfather, King Saul, and his father, Jonathan, both fell in a battle with the Philistines. The kingdom was in disarray; and as part of the royal lineage, it was possible they would want to kill Mephibosheth as well.
Realizing the possible danger, his nurse grabbed the boy to flee. In their hast, Mephibosheth fell, injuring both feet. As a result, he was lame for the rest of his life. Years pass, and we hear nothing further about him.
David Remembers
In II Samuel 9:1, David, who is now king, remembered his long-ago promise to Jonathan and questioned, “Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” Learning that Jonathan’s son was alive and living in Lodebar, David sent for him.
I can only imagine the nervous turmoil Mephibosheth felt when the king’s messengers arrived. Was this the end? The king could order him killed, thus ending Saul’s lineage. Understanding his fears, David reassured him. He did not send for him to kill him but to show him kindness. David gave him a permanent place at his table.
“Don’t be afraid!” David said. “I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!” Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, “Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?” (II Samuel 9:7-8, NLT)
A Modern-day Mephibosheth
David’s kindness to Mephibosheth offers a beautiful picture of God’s mercy toward us. Today, many are afraid to approach the King of kings. They feel broken, crippled by the things of their past life. They have been in hiding—fearful and ashamed to face God. They cannot comprehend the depth of His love and mercy. He does not want to destroy them but to restore them and allow them to sit in heavenly places.
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4-6, NKJV)
If you are that person needing God’s mercy, there is nothing to fear. Our King has a place reserved for you at His table.
Lord, thank You for the mercy and love You have extended to me. You saw me when I was fearful and broken and invited me to sit with You in heavenly places. Thank You for including me in Your family and giving me a place at Your table.