A Plate Set for You!
“So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate at the king’s table regularly. Now he was lame in both feet. 2 Samuel 9:13
One of the most beautiful stories portraying the covenant kindness of God demonstrated to those who do not feel they have any worth or purpose in this world, is found in the story of David’s receiving Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, at his table at court. Second Samuel 4:4 tells us that upon hearing the news of Saul and Jonathan’s death upon Mt. Gilboa during an Philistine-Israeli conflict, Mephibosheth was injured as his nurse hurriedly sought safety for she and the child.
Afterwards, Mephibosheth was raised by a Machir ben-Ammiel during which he grew up and was married and with a son of his own, at which time David called him to come and live at his estate in Jerusalem and eat “continually” at his table. David even restored all of Mephibosheth’s property to him and invited his servant Ziba and his family to live there also. But notice Mephibosheth’s response to David when he first arrives as found in Second Samuel 9: 8: “What is your servant that you should regard a dead dog like me.”
Mephibosheth’s life had been one of trial and difficulty, and now he couldn’t imagine compassion of this nature show to anyone, let alone himself. But, praise be to who shows us the same covenant loving kindness that David showed Mephibosheth no matter our place or state in life! Whether a physical or spiritual affliction, in Christ, we are all welcome to God’s table where we will find a plate waiting for us to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). Prayerfully read 2 Samuel 9:1-13 for the complete encounter between David and Mephibosheth and invite God to use this encounter to change the way you view the partaking of Holy Communion at your church. P.L.