2 Samuel 8:15-18
1 Chronicles 18:14-17
1 Chronicles 6:16-48, 50-53
2 Samuel 9:1-13
2 Samuel 10:1-19
1 Chronicles 19:1-19
2 Samuel 9:1,3,6-7, "David asked, ‘Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?' ... Ziba answered the king, ‘There is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in both feet.' ... When Mephibosheth ... came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor. ‘Don't be afraid,' David said to him, ‘for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father, Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.'"
One day, King David inquired if there were any surviving relatives of the former king, Saul. He wanted to show God's kindness to honor his friendship with Jonathan, his former enemy's son, who'd died in battle.
When David learned that Jonathan had a disabled son, Mephibosheth, living in hiding, he called for him. In those days, anyone connected with the former dynasty was killed to prevent uprisings. So, imagine how frightening it must have been for Mephibosheth when he received a summons from the new king! When he saw David, he immediately bowed face down. David told him not to fear. Then, David restored his family's land to him and said, "You will always have a seat to dine at the king's table."
This story greatly applies to us. Why? Because we are Mephibosheth! Before our King, Jesus, called us, we lived apart from Him, hiding in our sin, weak and afraid - we were spiritually disabled. We, too, must humble ourselves before the King to receive His outpouring of kindness. As we accept His forgiveness, He ushers in life restoration - we gain more than we lost in hiding. And we always have a seat at His table as we enjoy a personal, all-access relationship with our Lord and Savior.
The story notes one final similarity between Mephibosheth and us. The Bible says that his disability remained, although his life had otherwise changed for the better. God doesn't always remove our weaknesses. He sometimes allows them to remain so that we will fully rely on His strength. No matter where we've been or what we've done, God loves us unconditionally. Jesus is our King, so pull up a chair and feast at the royal table!
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your lovingkindness and provision. Continue to work within me that I may grow and live out Your best. My aim is to please You today. Amen.