2 Samuel chapter 9 reminds us of the old expression, “It’s not what you know but WHO you know”. The chapter begins with King David firmly established on his throne and surrounded by abundance. Perhaps the most powerful man in the world asked his attendants, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?“. David may have recalled a promise made to Jonathan (1 Sam 20:15) “Do not ever cut off your kindness from my family not even when the Lord has cut off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth“. His servants are only able to find a former servant of Saul named Ziba. He informed the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in both feet… He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar“. Remember it was standard practice at the time to wipe out the family of any rival to insure there is no divided loyalty in the kingdom. Surely Jonathan’s son is in hiding in fear and living like a crippled beggar. Imagine the panic that he must have felt at being called before the king. I’m sure he thought he would face immediate judgment and execution. Instead, you can almost hear the joy and excitement as King David greeted him by name, “Mephibosheth!”
David immediately put his guest at ease, “Don’t be afraid, for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” His reaction demonstrates the pitiful life he has been leading. “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?” David explained to the servant Ziba, “I have given your master’s grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family… so that your master’s grandson may be provided for. And Mephibosheth, grandson of your master, will always eat at my table.” The chapter ends with this remarkable transformation, “So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons… and Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table“. All that had been lost was restored and in addition to that, the lame man became son to the king.
It is impossible to miss the symbolism for us today. There was a time in my life when I ran from God. I hid my deeds and tried to keep a low profile to avoid the wrath of God. I saw myself as unworthy. It was not until I understood the work of Christ on the cross was for me, that the words in Romans chapter 8 made any sense. “Thereis therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus… For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption… The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” The moment we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are no longer strangers, but we are adopted into the family of God and we are invited to sit at the adults table! All that is necessary is to accept the invitation. Revelation 3:20 says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me“. Even more than that there is a promise given to those that have suffered loss along the way. “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten” (Joel 2:25). Stop eating alone when you have a seat at the King’s feast!