One of the King’s Own Sons

One Of The King’s Own Sons

Reading: 2 Samuel 8-9; 1 Chronicles 18; Matthew 21 11 “Yes, my lord the king; I am your servant, and I will do all that you have commanded.” And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly at David’s table, like one of the king’s own sons. 12 Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. From then on, all the members of Ziba’s household were Mephibosheth’s servants. 13 And Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet, lived in Jerusalem and ate regularly at the king’s table. (2 Samuel 9:11-13 NLT) Mephibosheth was Jonathan’s son, King Saul’s grandson. He was homeless, a cripple, and when he heard King David was looking for him, he feared for his life. It was normal practice, you know, for a king to systematically execute every male from a previous dynasty in order to protect his throne from threat. Instead, David gave this homeless cripple all the lands and property of Saul’s family and assigned a small army of servants to work for him. Then David said, “Mephibosheth, not because of anything you have ever done or not done, but out of love and grace – out of my friendship with your Dad – I’m making you part of my own family. You’ll eat at my table like one of my own sons!” This is a perfect picture of God’s grace! I was a homeless cripple living under a death sentence. Then God, in an act of sheer compassion, mercy, and grace, made me a brother to his Son Jesus Christ and invited me to become a valued member of his family. Now I’m sitting at the king’s table and angels look out for my interests. Just in case I should ever forget who I am and where I come from, I think I might change my name to Mephibosheth. Jim Mephibosheth Stephens. And as I learn more and more to trust in God’s unconditional and unfailing love, I’ll enjoy every day in God’s house and every meal at his table. I’m One of The King’s Own Sons! Prayer:

Father, May I never assume that it’s because of anything I have done that I have the right to be part of the family and sit at your table. May I never forget that apart from your grace and mercy I’m a homeless cripple. May I never take for granted what I have, and may I never think for a moment I’m better than someone else. Thanks for grace and mercy. Thanks for making me one of your own sons! Amen!