Mephibosheth

In our Sunday morning Bible class last week we studied the life of Mephibosheth. This lesser known man of the Bible was the grandson of King Saul. He lived a difficult life. Because of Saul’s failures his family was forced to leave the kingdom.

As a small child, Mephibosheth, due to the a terrible fall, became crippled in both feet. He was taken to the land of Lo-debar. The name means a place without pasture, a place of desolation. Mephibosheth was destined to live the rest of his life away from his home in a desolate place.

King David, because of his friendship and covenant with Jonathan, son of Saul, sought out Mephibosheth.

When he was found, David ordered that he be brought to him. David told Mephibosheth that he would restore to him all the land that had belonged to his grandfather, and that there would be a permanent place reserved for him at the King’s table (2 Samuel 9:7).

Every child of God has a kinship with Mephibosheth. Like him, because of the fall, we are all crippled. Like him, because of sin we are alienated from the King and his kingdom (Ephesians 2:12).

Like Mephibosheth we are brought back to the kingdom, not because of some great thing we have done, but because of God’s love (Ephesians 2:13).

We have a perpetual invitation to come to the throne room of the King (Hebrews 4:14-16). Like him, we have a permanent seat at the King’s table (Mark 14:25).

As we gather around the table of the King this week, let us be mindful of Mephibosheth. Let us remember where we came from and how we arrived at this moment in our lives.

Let us remember that we are all crippled people who have been made whole. Let us remember that it is because of God’s love that we are able to gather. Let us be thankful for God’s amazing grace that offers us a seat at the King’s table.

Jeff A. Jenkins @ www.forthright.net