Maimed by life, hiding out in fear, and living in poverty. .
.
Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, grandson of Saul, and
of royal lineage – an heir to the kingdom. At the tender age of five his father
and grandfather were both killed in battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel
31) making Mephibosheth a vulnerable target. His nurse attempted fleeing with
him to protect his live but in the midst of the chaos and haste there was an
accident leaving Mephibosheth lame (2 Samuel 4:4).
Years later he is found by King David. He has exiled himself
from Jerusalem,
doesn’t have a home and is staying in Machir’s household (2 Samuel 9). Even though his
father, Jonathan, and David were best friends, he has no relationship with the
king and is fearful.
David offers to restore to Mephibosheth the land that was
his grandfather Saul’s and to give him a place at the king’s table continually,
but Mephibosheth is fearful, untrusting and sees himself as worthless,
insignificant and unworthy. King David sees him differently though. He sees him
as an heir and, therefore, shows his kindness by giving Mephibosheth the
portion of his inheritance.
This isn’t just Mephibosheth’s story though. It is my story.
It is even your story. It is a common thread through all humanity.
Haven’t we all been trampled by life in some form? Left
battered, bruised and scarred.
Mephibosheth’s weakness didn’t vanish and neither does ours.
Like Mephibosheth we were left lame by the fall, a tragedy outside of our
control that affects every area of life.
We exile ourselves, finding it easier to live in
insignificance and fear. All the while we have an inheritance in the Kingdom.
We have a place at Jesus’ table (Luke 22:29-30), an open invitation to
fellowship with Him. We look down at our lame feet and call ourselves dead
dogs, while Jesus looks at us and calls us sons and daughters.
Life doesn’t miraculously become perfect but it does
drastically change once the King is in our life as more than the one making
decrees to be followed. He calls you a son, a daughter. He offers beauty for
the ash heap in your life. He beckons you out of exile and into the Kingdom. He
looks past your lame feet and offers a new life.
Can you hear the invitation to restoration? Will you accept
it?
