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Again today I find myself gravitating back to the that little known story in 2 Samuel 9 concerning the last remaining grandson of King Saul and how his story beautifully illustrates the true nature of grace and kindness.
Mephibosheth finds himself relocated from Lo-debar (the place of scarcity) to the richness of the King's table. This amazing and unexpected transformation came about because of something someone else had done. There is no appeal suggesting that Mephibosheth was somehow worthy of this honour. While it is noted that he was permanently crippled, there is no suggestion that he received a sympathy vote.
The reason for this radical change in his life had to do with a commitment that his father made many years previously when Jonathan and David made a life-long covenant. Jonathan said,
"And may you treat me with the faithful love of the LORD as long as I live. But if I die, treat my family with this faithful love, even when the LORD destroys all your enemies." (1 Sam 20:14-15 NLT)
Apparently David never forgot his vow to Jonathan because years later he takes an initiative to find any of Saul's household who may still be alive because he wants to show kindness to them as he promised Jonathan he would.
The word 'covenant' has caught my attention this morning. As I read the words of the David/Jonathan covenant I think of another covenant. We call it the New Covenant or, more commonly, the New Testament.
Did God ever say something like, "Is there anyone in the Robinson family to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jesus, my Son?" Was there a divine, sovereign covenant between God the Father and God the Son?
The action of the Son through His birth, death and resurrection made possible the terms of that covenant and their ultimate fulfillment. Now because of what someone else has done, I am the beneficiary of that covenant just as Mephibosheth was the beneficiary of the covenant made by his father, Jonathan.
Through this covenant, David not only honoured his covenant commitment by treating Mephibosheth as one of his own sons, he restored to him all that once belonged to King Saul. (v.8) Further, David provided for Mephibosheth's household and its needs into the future. He appointed Ziba with his 15 sons and 20 servants to farm the land and produce food for the household.No longer would Mephibosheth live in 'the place of scarcity'.
When God saves us He does so lavishly. All that was lost has been restored. Now that's lavish!!
