In Romans 15:4, the apostle Paul wrote, "...whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." With these words in mind, I would like us to entertain a few thoughts from the book of 2 Samuel, specifically regarding the man, Mephibosheth.

Mephibosheth is by no means a 'main character' in the overall picture of the Bible, perhaps one might not even think of his role in 2 Samuel to be of extreme significance. However, the story of Mephibosheth is a wonderful one, worthy of our attention.

DAVID SEEKS TO SHOW KINDNESS
Having subdued his enemies (2 Samuel 8), King David turns his attention to personal matters. Though it is said of Saul that he "...became David's enemy continually" (1 Samuel 18:29), David's closest friend was Jonathan, the son of Saul. The Scripture bears witness to vows made between David and Jonathan. Jonathan asked that David "...not only show me the kindness of the LORD while I still live, that I may not die; but you shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever, no, not when the LORD has cut off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth." (1 Samuel 20:14-15).

In view of this vow he had made, David inquires, "Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" (2 Samuel 9:1). It appears that David did not know of Mephibosheth. When he was five years of age, word came of his father Jonathan's death. Out of concern for the child's safety, "...his nurse took him up and fled. And it happened, as she made haste to flee, that he fell and became lame." (2 Samuel 4:4). At the time of David's inquiry, Mephibosheth was dwelling "...in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar." (2 Samuel 9:4) [note, Lo Debar literally means no pasture/promise].

MEPHIBOSHETH MEETS KING DAVID
Almost the first words David speaks to Mephibosheth are "Do not fear..." (2 Samuel 9:7). It is possible that he had heard for years that David would seek to kill him, lest he attempt to seize the throne of his grandfather. Such conduct had taken place among other nations, and even among the people of God (2 Kings 11:1). However, David had no ill intended for Mephibosheth, but continues, "...I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake..."

And indeed, David showed great kindness. Mephibosheth received all the land of Saul. He went from living in the house of another (without the promise of an inheritance) to receiving all the land which had belong to Saul. And if that were not enough, Mephibosheth would eat bread at the king's table continually. David had taken the grandson of his enemy, and received him "...like one of the king's sons." (2 Samuel 9:11).

In response to this great grace bestowed, what might Mephibosheth say? A million 'Thank you''s would never be sufficient. He speaks, "What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?" (2 Samuel 9:8). David's kindness was beyond Mephibosheth's comprehension. The one whom he thought might slay him took him as his own son. The reference to a "dead dog" is a word picture depicting something repulsive and disgusting. We find in other Old Testament passages 'dog' being used as a degrading comment (1 Samuel 17:43; 24:14; 2 Samuel 3:8; 2 Kings 8:13; Proverbs 27:11). Mephibosheth understood that he was by no means worthy of the grace that had been given him.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR US?
Let me say frankly, we were all dead dogs before the Lord! Paul says that we "...were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others." (Ephesians 2:1-3).

Though we all at one point have fit this description, as we have walk in our own path, the writer continues, "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even though we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:4-5). We were much like Mephibosheth, removed from our inheritance. And the Lord, has shown His kindness by restoring us to Himself through Christ Jesus. In another place, Paul tells us that we have become "...joint heirs with Christ..." (Romans 8:17).

Not only have we received an inheritance, but we are called to sit at the King's table. Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." (Revelation 3:20). Again, the Lord said, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which i shall give for the life of the world." (John 6:51). Hear the great promise of the Lord, "Behold, I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom..." (Luke 22:29-30).

David called for Mephibosheth. He came, and he received a wonderful inheritance and a place at the king's table. The Lord calls us to come, that we might receive a greater inheritance, and a place at the the table of the King of Kings. Will you heed His call, obey His word, and obtain the promise? (Romans 14:17; Hebrews 11:6; Acts 3:19; Matthew 10:32-33; Acts 2:38).

Click here for this week's Answering The Atheist
Do you answer a fool? Do Proverbs 26:4 and Proverbs 26:5 contradict?