From God comes…
From God comes an offer to come to His table and dine with Him.
One of my favorite Bible stories is about Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul. King Saul resented David and tried to kill him because God decided David would replace him as king.
In spite of this, Saul’s son Jonathan and David became best friends. BFFs long before we knew what BFF meant.
Mephibosheth was five years old when both his father and grandfather died in battle. His nurse was afraid for their lives and hastily fled (2 Samuel 4:4). This resulted in a bad fall that left him lame and unable to walk. He and the rest of his family took refuge and settled in the mountains of Gilead.
David became king. Years passed, but David never forgot his humble beginnings nor the fact that Saul had been his king and Jonathan his best friend. He asked if there was anyone left from the house of Saul to whom he could show some kindness (2 Samuel 9:1). When he found out that Jonathan’s son was alive, he had his servants find Mephibosheth and bring him to the palace (2 Samuel 9:6).
Mephibosheth fearfully bowed before King David because he had no idea why he was there. Imagine his surprise when David announced he wanted to show him kindness and restore Jonathan’s land to him. Plus, he wanted him to live at the palace in Jerusalem and eat at his table like one of his sons (2 Samuel 9:7). Mephibosheth had a place at the King’s table and ate there continually (2 Samuel 9:11-3).
What a beautiful picture of loving kindness! Mephibosheth was overwhelmed by King David’s offer. He referred to himself as a “dead-dog” and felt totally unworthy of such favor (2 Samuel 9:8).
There are some parallels here as we think about our relationship with Christ. Mephibosheth was physically lame and crippled. By the same token, we are spiritually weak and helpless (Romans 5:6). His family had been enemies of David. As descendants of Adam filled with sin, we were considered God’s enemies (Romans 5:10). Yet, God has shown us unbelievable kindness. He has brought us into His family and given us provision, favor, and a place at His table, just like David did for Mephibosheth.
We were lame, forgotten, and unworthy when Jesus found us and invited us to sit at His table. Not only do we dine with Him every time we partake of Communion but we are to be part of the marriage supper of the Lamb. God calls those who are invited to that event blessed (Revelation 19:9). He’s talking about you and me. We will be eating at the King’s table laden with a bountiful feast. It’s good to know that we have a place at His table—now and forever!
“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God…”
~James 1:17 (NLT)
