Brokenness 2

2 Samuel 9:2-7

We recently had a couple in our church who were surprised by their family with an unexpected anniversary celebration. They thought they were attending a dull event for their grandson, but it turned out to be a party for them. They were so pleased by the surprise and the gathering of so many friends and family.

Today’s reading is about a surprise turn of events. We have seen the bitter rivalry which has been raging between David and King Saul (see 2 Samuel 2:12-31).

Who was summoned before David? What did David want? What information does Ziba provide? What does David do? How does Mephibosheth greet David? What does David offer Mephibosheth?

After all that has transpired in the war between Saul and David, one might expect Mephibosheth to be a helpless victim about to be removed by David. He is the last of the royal line, the last of a family who has a claim – through God’s anointing – to the throne. Even those who thought they were supporting David were executed (see 2 Samuel 1:15-16 and 2 Samuel 4:11-12), so how much more would one expect Saul’s grandson to be killed?

But David surprises Mephibosheth with mercy and love. Instead of having the lame, young man brought to the palace to be killed, Mephibosheth is brought forward to be honored and made, in essence, a member of David’s own family.

David has remembered his pledge to Jonathan and has made good on his word. This broken man has been given a place at the royal table.

And so, this story is our story. Each of us is broken. Each of us are among the fallen, the sinful, the unworthy. Each of us, with our sinful nature and human desires, are at war with God. We deserve to be ignored and shunned by our holy God.

But instead, we broken people are lifted up and carried to the table of God. We are given a place of honor at the banquet of love and mercy that God offers. Undeserving all, we are made welcome and invited to be part of the family of God.

You are invited to come to the table and take part in the love feast offered by the Lord.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Go to the Lord in prayer and thank him for His mercy.