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 (more…)