There have been many times in my life where I have been shown undeserved kindness. Extreme kindness or generosity that I truly felt like I did not deserve. Maybe it was a neighbor coming over to mow my yard, a sweet friend slipping to me a gift card to my favorite restaurant, or a great deal on a getaway. In all these situations I felt super grateful and super unworthy of the kindness sent my way.
In 2 Samuel 9, David has been crowned as King. He starts inquiring if there is anyone left in the family of Saul (the former king and father of his best friend Jonathan). He is wanting to show kindness to someone from Saul’s lineage. He finds a former servant of Saul and discovers that one of Jonathan’s sons is still alive. His name is Mephibosheth and he is crippled in both feet. He calls for Mephibosheth to come and meet him at the palace. Mephibosheth is scared because typically in those days a new king would try and wipe out all of the descendants of the former ruler.
Mephibosheth quickly finds out, though, that David has brought him to the palace to honor him, not destroy him. Soon his fear gives way to a sense of unworthiness. He felt this way not only because of the mercy he was being shown as a descendant of a former leader, but also because of his physical condition. He was crippled in both feet and felt unworthy of the attention and love being shown.
“Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, ‘Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?’” 2 Samuel 9:8
“And Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet, lived in Jerusalem and ate regularly at the king’s table.” 2 Samuel 9:13
A boy who would’ve been considered “less than” in the eyes of many in their society or might be seen as “unwanted” due to his disability is lifted up to sit regularly at the king’s table. He wouldn’t just be a one-time guest; he would be a welcomed, regular member at the table.
We are Mephibosheth. We have been crippled by our sin–unwanted, not whole, seen as less than. But the King of Kings came and showed us kindness and mercy and offered a regular seat at His table. He looks beyond our past, our family dynamics, or current circumstances and He offers kindness and love. Will we accept the opportunity and join His family and become a regular member of His table? He is waiting with open arms.
This devotional was written by Amy Carrico of Making the Moments Matter.