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4 August 2007
2 Samuel 9 v 5-8
Then King David had servants bring Jonathan's son from the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar. Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, came before David and bowed facedown on the floor.
David said, "Mephibosheth!"
Mephibosheth said, "I am your servant."
David said to him, "Don't be afraid. I will be kind to you for your father Jonathan's sake. I will give you back all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table."
Mephibosheth bowed to David again and said, "You are being very kind to me, your servant! And I am no better than a dead dog!"
Can you imagine Mephibosheth's journey from Lo Debar to Jerusalem? David has sent servants out to summon him, to come before the man who had finally become king, despite the efforts of Mephibosheth's grandfather Saul, which you can read about in the second half of 1 Samuel. Did David want to punish him for the deeds of his family? Would he abuse him or enslave him? Did he want to wipe out Saul's line completely as a sign of victory over Saul?
At the end of the journey, which was no doubt exhausting since Mephibosheth was crippled in both feet (2 Sam 9:3), he bows low to David, not knowing what to expect. And he waits to hear David's judgment.
Then imagine his surprise as, instead of retribution and punishment he receives rewards. He receives all of Saul's land and, more incredibly, he is invited to eat with David daily. What an honour indeed!
Does this ring true in any way? Maybe it should. For one day, we will be summoned before the throne of the King of Kings. And we will bow low. And then, if we know Jesus, we will receive honour and privilege that we do not deserve by God's amazing grace. May we respond, as Meshibosheth does, in acknowledgment of our unworthiness and in thankfulness for our undeserved gift.
Loving Father, we thank you so much that you sent your Son Jesus to Earth. Thank you for the amazing gift of love that he gave to us, meaning that we receive so much more than we deserve. Help me never to become complacent, but to always remember your sacrifice for me.
Written by Matt Chessum
2 Samuel 9 v 5-8
Then King David had servants bring Jonathan's son from the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar. Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, came before David and bowed facedown on the floor.
David said, "Mephibosheth!"
Mephibosheth said, "I am your servant."
David said to him, "Don't be afraid. I will be kind to you for your father Jonathan's sake. I will give you back all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table."
Mephibosheth bowed to David again and said, "You are being very kind to me, your servant! And I am no better than a dead dog!"
Can you imagine Mephibosheth's journey from Lo Debar to Jerusalem? David has sent servants out to summon him, to come before the man who had finally become king, despite the efforts of Mephibosheth's grandfather Saul, which you can read about in the second half of 1 Samuel. Did David want to punish him for the deeds of his family? Would he abuse him or enslave him? Did he want to wipe out Saul's line completely as a sign of victory over Saul?
At the end of the journey, which was no doubt exhausting since Mephibosheth was crippled in both feet (2 Sam 9:3), he bows low to David, not knowing what to expect. And he waits to hear David's judgment.
Then imagine his surprise as, instead of retribution and punishment he receives rewards. He receives all of Saul's land and, more incredibly, he is invited to eat with David daily. What an honour indeed!
Does this ring true in any way? Maybe it should. For one day, we will be summoned before the throne of the King of Kings. And we will bow low. And then, if we know Jesus, we will receive honour and privilege that we do not deserve by God's amazing grace. May we respond, as Meshibosheth does, in acknowledgment of our unworthiness and in thankfulness for our undeserved gift.
Loving Father, we thank you so much that you sent your Son Jesus to Earth. Thank you for the amazing gift of love that he gave to us, meaning that we receive so much more than we deserve. Help me never to become complacent, but to always remember your sacrifice for me.
Written by Matt Chessum
