One of the gems of all the beautiful stories in the Bible is that of King David and his relationship to Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, grandson of Saul.
When the news of the demise of Saul and his sons reached home, Mephibosheth's nurse fled. In the panic, there was some sort of accident and Mephibosheth - then only five years old - was injured and crippled for life. Years later, after David had assumed the throne of Israel and subdued most of his enemies, he discovered that Mephibosheth was still alive. This only-living-heir to Saul's dynasty was brought before King David.
Did he fear? Did he tremble? He knew God had exalted David, and David was ruthless with his enemies. But any anxiety he had must have melted away like fog when the sun rises in its strength when he heard these words from David's lips:
The rest of the story reveals a gracious King David restoring Saul's lands to Mephibosheth, granting him a caretaker and a lifelong income. In addition, and perhaps even more importantly, David decrees that from that day forth Mephibosheth would eat at his table "LIKE ONE OF THE KING'S SONS." This cripple, this heir of the former dynasty that sought David's life, was brought into the favor and fellowship of the Shepherd King David.
If we pay attention when we read the Old Testament, we see Christ revealed everywhere. And here He is exemplified in the story of David and Mephibosheth.
There I was, crippled from birth by sin, broken and disfigured and unknown. Now here I am, sought out, known, still bearing scars, but brought close by Christ to live in the presence of the King.
"He always ate at the king's table, and he was crippled in both feet." 2 Samuel 9:13
Though a cripple, I am restored and dining daily with the King! Sola gratia! Soli Deo gloria!
2 comments:
additional gracious feast imagery: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rytwGHd3iDw
Kevin - Excellent! Gimme dat change, sometimes I need the dough, gimme that pain, cuz sometimes I need ta grow!
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