Mephibosheth was only five years old when his father (Jonathan) and grandfather (Saul) were both killed in a battle at Mount Gilboa. Hearing the news and fearing for the boy’s life, Mephibosheth’s nurse quickly took him up and fled in panic. In her haste she dropped the child, causing him to be crippled for the rest of his life (2 Samuel 4:4). Several years later, as a result of a promise to Jonathan, King David invited Mephibosheth to the palace (2 Samuel 9). When he arrived, he immediately fell on his face and paid homage to the king, expecting to be executed. But much to his surprise, David said, “Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.” (2 Samuel 9:7)
Mephibosheth was asked to spend the rest of his life living at the palace! He was nothing, had nothing, and as a member of the former royal family should have been killed. In spite of that, he spent the rest of his life eating at the king’s table. He received something he did not deserve, it was unmerited favor, it was GRACE!
Are we really any different? We are weak and fearful, children of royalty, crippled by the fall, and permanently marred by sin. But as a result of Jesus paying the penalty of our sin we too can sit at the table of The King! That’s saving grace, but it doesn’t stop there. God’s sustaining grace is freely given daily to meet every need in our lives! God may not take away our weaknesses or our lameness, but His continual grace changes the way we think about ourselves and enables us to live a victorious life.
Take time today to read this wonderful story of David’s love and grace found in 2 Samuel 9, it is a beautiful picture of God’s love and grace to each of us.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” (John 1:16)
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
“Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come;
Tis grace has brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.”