Introduction

Today, we will explore one of the most remarkable stories in the Old Testament that beautifully illustrates the concept of God's grace. The grace of God is something we can never fully comprehend or understand in this life. It is through His grace that we have been redeemed and forgiven, despite our wretchedness and sinfulness.

The Story

Our story begins with King David, who poses a simple question: "Is there anyone left from the house of Saul, to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?" (2 Samuel 9:1, NIV). It is important to note the phrase "for Jonathan's sake" as we delve into this narrative.

To provide some context, David and Saul had a tumultuous relationship. Saul, consumed by jealousy, sought to kill David because he saw him as a threat to his kingship. However, Saul eventually died a defeated man, and David ascended to the throne. Typically, when a new king rose to power, he would eliminate any remaining members of the previous king's family to secure his reign. But David had a different intention.

Despite their differences, David had formed a deep friendship with Jonathan, Saul's son. They made a covenant of brotherhood and loyalty to each other. Now that Jonathan had fallen in battle, David wanted to honor their covenant by showing kindness to any surviving members of Saul's house.

David summoned a former servant of Saul named Ziba and asked if there was anyone left from Saul's family. Ziba reluctantly revealed that Jonathan had a son who was lame in both feet. This son, Mephibosheth, had been living in obscurity and poverty in the land of Lodebar. He had been forgotten and stripped of his inheritance.

Mephibosheth's life had taken an unfortunate turn when, as a child, he was dropped by his caretaker while fleeing from enemies. This accident left him with lifelong disabilities. Now, years later, he found himself in Lodebar, a place where he did not belong, hidden away in exile.

However, David's command was clear: "Bring him to me" (2 Samuel 9:5, NIV). Can you imagine the mix of fear and hope that must have flooded Mephibosheth's heart upon hearing those words? He thought no one cared about him, but now the king wanted to see him.

When Mephibosheth stood before David, trembling and filled with apprehension, the king reassured him, saying, "Do not be afraid, for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan" (2 Samuel 9:7, NIV). David called Mephibosheth out of Lodebar, out of his life of shame and bondage.

David not only showed kindness to Mephibosheth but also restored him to his rightful place at the king's table. Mephibosheth, a prince's son and the grandson of a king, had been reduced to a fugitive dependent on others for survival. Yet, David elevated him to a position of honor and privilege, allowing him to eat continually at the king's table. Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, surrounded by princes, despite his physical limitations.

The Parallel

This story beautifully parallels our own lives. We were once outside the grace and love of God, not fully comprehending that just a prayer away was His forgiveness and restoration. We were trapped in the bondage of sin, unaware that God loved us and had made a covenant to redeem us.

God wants to show us kindness for Jesus' sake. He desires to forgive us, redeem us from a life of sin, save us from eternal separation, and reconcile us to fellowship with Him. It is all because of Jesus and the covenant God made to redeem fallen humanity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the grace of God is a remarkable gift that we can never fully grasp. Like Mephibosheth, we had no legal right to sit at the king's table and have fellowship with God. But it is through His grace that we have been invited to partake in His peace, joy, contentment, protection, forgiveness, healing, and hope.

God is calling us out of our own "Lodebars" – places of disappointment, destruction, despondency, discouragement, bondage, hopelessness, fear, and loneliness. He wants to bring us into His presence, where we can experience His grace and restoration.

Let us heed God's call today and embrace His grace, for it is by His grace that we are redeemed and restored.

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