|
David had a deep covenant friendship with Jonathan even though he was the son of King Saul who sought to kill David due to jealousy. When Saul and Jonathan died in battle and David became King, it would have been culturally expected for the new king to kill any remaining rivals of the previous kingly dynasty in order to secure his own throne and rule. However, because of his deep love for his friend Jonathan, David asks this question:
"David asked, 'Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?'" (2 Samuel 9:1)
One of Jonathan's sons, Mephibosheth, who was crippled since childhood, remained alive. King David summoned him, and in great fear, Mephibosheth came, likely expecting death. However, the kindness of the King surprised him.
"'Don't be afraid,' David said to him, 'for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.'" (2 Samuel 9:7)
This is an extraordinary act of kindness from the king. Expecting to be slain, Mephibosheth is instead welcomed to dine at the king's table! He who normally would be viewed as an enemy was brought near to the king as an act of faithfulness to his covenant and kindness to his friend's son.
We too have been invited to dine at a table where we didn't really belong. Christ has invited us to Himself and has transformed us from enemies to children.
There is a great simple song by CityAlight called "Jesus, Thank You." One line says, "Once your enemy, now seated at your table. Jesus, thank you." Consider this. We all were once enemies of God. Romans 5:10 says, "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life." Before God adopted us as sons and daughters, we stood in opposition to Him. To be seated at someone's table is a picture of truly being welcomed in. What an amazing progression. We stood in opposition to God as enemies choosing to live our own way, and without deserving it, Christ drew us close by grace and adopted us into His family. What would your dinner table look like if tomorrow everyone you consider an enemy was seated around it? Awkward! But Christ didn't just invite His enemies, He made them into sons and daughters and changed their hearts to glorify God instead of living in opposition to Him. Thank you, Jesus, for making place for me at your table.
It was the kindness and faithfulness of David to welcome Mephibosheth, and it is the kindness and faithfulness of God to welcome us. May we come to the table with thankfulness and gratitude remembering that we don't deserve it.
|
Apple
Spotify
Deezer
YouTube
