All day yesterday and still today I have had this man, Mephibosheth, on my mind. He popped into my thoughts yesterday during service as we were singing Carried To the Table. How could he not? He was a crippled boy, hiding out from the king. Living far away from his homeland, seperated from the king. Probably living in fear, fear of death. See, Mephibosheth was the grandson of Saul and son of Jonathon. Because of this position he would have been in line for the throne, but now God had placed David in that position. In those days it was quite normal for the new ruler to kill all those from the previous king’s family – anyone who would threaten his dynasty.
So how then, did this man go from a place of hiding, in fear for his life to being seated at the king’s table? Simple. The king called for him. King David sent his servants to go get him. It’s quite amazing, really. Saul had made himself an enemy of David. Mephibosheth was in line to be king. But instead of revenge, the king showed mercy. See, David had made a covenant with Mephibosheths father, Jonathon, and he was about to honor that covenant.
So Mephibosheth was brought back to Jerusalem and he bowed down to the king. In his crippled state he came humbly, and what was the king’s response? Was there anger and threats? No, no there was not. The first word David spoke was his name. Mephibosheth. I love that! So personal, so intimate. The king looks at Mephibosheth and says, I know you! David then says “Don’t be afraid…for I will surely show you kindness…I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul,and you will always eat at my table.” Can you believe that? Oh what love the king has for this broken man! Such unexpected mercy was poured upon him! He brought him out of fear and hiding into his very presence and there Mephibosheth found complete restoration and provision! Notice the word “always” in verse 7 and 10 and 13? He will be forever cared for at the table of the king! Their relationship was permanent!
I find so many lessons in this wee chapter that my head is swimmming with thoughts, but for today there is something specific that God has laid heavily on my heart. Somewhere out there in this town, in these neighborhoods, perhaps even in our very own congregation there are people hiding from the King. Crippled people. Broken people. They remain seperated from all the good things that God has for them. They stay seperated from God Himself! Afraid to come out of hiding. Perhaps they’ve gotten so comfortable living in this crippled state they have forgotten that there is a better way. So what then do we do?
As I prayed over this passage today I asked God to show me what is in my heart. There was still something I was missing, I knew. Then God showed me what I hadn’t seen before, a very important point that we dare not miss: the king sent his servant! I wrote that near the beginning of this, but I didn’t fully understsand the importance of that truth. The king sent his servant and the servant went! Is that cool, or what? David asked his servant Ziba, “Is there not yet anyone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?” I don’t know if Ziba himself went and got Mephibosheth, or if others went, but the point is, the servants obeyed the king! Think right now of someone you know who needs Jesus. Ask yourself this same question. Is there anyone who you can show the kindness of God to? You are a servant of the King, and the King has sent you! Go out and get those who are crippled with sin! Go get those who are broken and hurt and hiding, those who are living in fear! Bring them back to the King that He may restore them!
If you are that person hiding this is the message I have for you: I am a servant of the King, King Jesus, and I am here to tell you that your King is calling! He has sent for you! Through these words I have been sent to bring you back to Him! He wants you! He knows your name, and He wants you! As I offer this invitation my thoughts go back to Mephibosheth and I wonder how he reacted when those servants showed up. Did he freak out with fear? Did he wish he could run? Did he look down at his lame feet and wonder why any king would want someone like him? Dear one, He knows you are crippled, and He loves you and wants you to come just the way you are! He will carry you to His table. You do not need to be afraid! He will not condemn you. He will not judge you. But, just like Mephibosheth, he will restore all that the enemy has taken from you! He will remove your sin and restore the broken relationship and forever you will be His! You will always eat at the table of the King!
Please come. King Jesus is calling!
Email This Post
Tags: King, Mephibosheth, restoration