And Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table, and he was crippled in both feet. — 2 Samuel 9:13
Last weekend I was reminded about Mephibosheth through an International House of Prayer web stream and it’s really stuck with me. When Mephibosheth was five his father (Jonathan) and his grandfather (king Saul) died in a battle. When news made it back to Mephibosheth’s nurse, she fled with him for safety. Mephibosheth fell and became crippled. Talk about a bad day but that’s not the part of the story I want to focus on.
During king David’s reign, David decided he wanted to show kindness to Saul’s family for Jonathan’s sake. And that’s where Mephibosheth enters back into the picture. David tells Mephibosheth that he will restore Saul’s land back to Mephibosheth and Mephibosheth will always eat at king David’s table.
I believe Mephibosheth’s response to David in verse 8 is quite similar to our response to God sometimes when He shows us kindness. Dogs are more important than me, why are you taking notice of me? And it’s true, why would the God who created the heavens and the earth and everything in them take notice of you or I? The answer is as simple as He is a gracious God Who loves us.
Next time the tempter comes to tell you how undeserving you are, agree. But make for sure that you also tell him that your daddy is the King and He has a special seat at His table for you.
Originally posted January 2, 2010.