Do you have trouble with kindness? Both extending and receiving it?
I know I do. When my soul tank is empty, it’s difficult for me to pump out grace, patience, and kindness when I’m asked for one more favor or have to make one more decision.
Sometimes, we don’t want to receive kindness because we feel we don’t deserve it. Maybe we’ve been exceptionally cruel with our words to someone close to us. Or we’ve been so focused on our work and the tasks at hand we think the little requests that come in from family aren’t worth our time.
Shame and fear can cloud our heads and hearts, but God asks us to come to Him with it all because His kindness actually calls us closer.
Despite the pain of his past, King David still wanted to show kindness to someone from the house of Saul. So he asked around and found a son of Jonathan, Mephibosheth, who had lived most of his life impaired, unable to carve out a life of his own—dependent on others, aware of his disability, and sensitive to the strife within his family. And with his family gone, he lived as an orphan with no standing in society. What did he think would happen? Would David mock him for his appearance and the loss of his family? Throw him out into the street?
In 2 Samuel 9:7 we see how David told him not to be afraid, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”
Mephibosheth became a recipient of the king’s kindness, and that changed everything. God is actively looking to share His love and kindness. When we come to Him, we are ushered into the King’s presence, and everything changes for us too. We are the recipients of His unmerited favor and grace through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Not by anything we’ve done but on Christ alone. We were lame, helpless, unable to do anything to get ourselves out of sin. Only by the kindness of God are we restored to His table.
We are also shown kindness, restored, and brought into right standing as heirs, and we always have a place at God’s table. We’ve become children of God and grafted into His royalty through Jesus. We have a place and inheritance in Him.
We have no need to be afraid to come before God because we stand confidently on the cross of Christ. The family of God is a wonderful place to make our home as we live out our days unafraid, satisfied, and full of the kindness and care of our King.
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98 thoughts on "Mephibosheth"
Amen
Amen!
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Amen. Truly blessing.❤️
Hi,I’m just new here and trying to figure out how to do this
You did it! ❤☺❤ Welcome!
Welcome! ❤️
Welcome!
Welcome, Darla! ❤️
Welcome :)
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Hello. I wanted to get on here and give an update. My father in law just passed away. My brother in law is in ICU on a ventilator. We don’t know much, but are trying to move him to the university hospital. I’m traveling internationally on Sunday, but I’m hoping to join in on the new study. I didn’t like missing this one. I don’t think I ever have for years.
I am sorry and will be praying for your brother in law.
Prayers Traci, you have been missed.
Traci Gendron, I am praying for you
We’re only five weeks in. Only 2 1/2 to go.
Traci, I am so sorry to hear this! Prayers for your family, for your brother in law, and for safe travel! You have been missed! ❤
Praying for you Traci.
Awww, sweet Traci! I am so sorry to hear about your FIL! Praying for comfort and peace for your family and for healing for your BIL. Safe travels! ❤️
I’m so sorry. Praying❤️
Traci, I’m sorry for you and yours as you navigate life without FIL, and praying for your BIL.
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Hope you are well in yourself.
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Much love, always..
In all the times I’ve read the story of Mephibosheth, I’ve never noticed the comparison of who he was and where he stood to who we are and where we stand before Christ…but what a beautiful analogy!
I am “Mephibosheth”, David is “Christ” and his table is the “Kings table”. How blessed I am (we are) that I (we) get invited to dine at the Kings table – forever! Crippled, without earthly possessions, of no standing, yet – invited & beloved! All because of Jesus!
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Happy Wednesday She’s! Can’t believe the week is almost over – again!
I agree completely! I never made the connection either. Thank you so much for sharing.
Amen Sharon. I agree. I love the analogy too.
Wonderful readings and comments shared today. ❤️
The Alphabet of a King…
Accepting.
Belonging.
Caring.
Devoted.
Eternal.
Forgiven.
Grace.
Heartfelt.
Immersed.
Joined.
Kindness.
Loved.
Mephibosheth.
As recipients of unmerited favor, let us seek to embody the attributes of the living God.
I like to think of this as a story of restitution. Mephibosheth was born into the royal line, but because of his grandfather’s sin, he fell from that place (literally) and became lame. When David was established as king, he honored his covenant with Jonathan and restored the family’s lands so they could provide for themselves and he treated Mephibosheth as his own son. He dined at the king’s table, which would have been his right had his grandfather been faithful. But it became his right again because of David’s love for Jonathan.
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SARAH, thank you for this beautifully written devo!
“When we come to Him, we are ushered into the King’s presence, and everything changes for us too. We are the recipients of His unmerited favor and grace through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Not by anything we’ve done but on Christ alone. We were lame, helpless, unable to do anything to get ourselves out of sin. Only by the kindness of God are we restored to His table.”
Like Searching, my heart aches for Mephibosheth. When I see his name my first reaction is awww.
His question to David immediately reminded me of David’s question to God in our earlier reading- “Who am I …?”
That’s a question we all need to start each day with.
Who am I …
to be granted one more day
to receive Your grace and mercy
to be Your daughter
undeserving
lame (in gratitude and faithfulness)
welcome at Your table for all time.
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As Rhonda mentioned earlier this week, the song Who Am I by Casting Crowns echoes this theme.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Amen, So good CeeGee!!
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From 2BeLikeChrist:
Mephibosheth was not saved because of something he did or “worked for.” He was saved because of who is Father was, and because of the Lord’s kindness. We too, are saved, not because of something we have done, but because of who our Father is when we choose to obey the gospel and become adopted into His kingdom.
It’s interesting to note the many Christ like figures in the OT–Adam, Noah, Moses, David…none perfect, like Jesus, but all used by God to promote His plan.
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We often place limits on how God can use us/bless us based off of our perceived imperfections & disabilities. We are just like Mephibosheth; counting ourselves out before we even have a chance to hear what God is asking of us. I’ve been loving the song “At The Altar” lately. I’m reminded of the lyrics “He can use anything, sit back and watch Him.” May I surrender my heart to You, O God, and let You use me as You see fit!! // Update on prayer requests: Seth is doing okay, but still experiencing a lot of neurostorming/pain! Paul’s bone marrow transplant went well yesterday. He is still feeling okay so far. Please continue to pray that his body would accept these stem cells so that he can be cancer free!
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Susan, I’m praying for Seth and Paul.
Thank you!
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalms 23:5-6 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.23.5-6.NIV
This lesson makes me think if Psalms 23. It is the verse of the day on the Bible app!
I don’t think that was a coincidence! A God wink! So grateful that the Lord is my shepherd!
How lovely, Cheryl, to draw upon the Lords Prayer.
His best friend’s son. I have always loved this about David. He wanted to make sure he was taken care of. I have loved this relationship between David and Jonathon, as it’s known they were both VERY close. I am thankful for those earthly relationships that my God has blessed me with. Love how Sarah ends our devotion, “…as we live out days unafraid, satisfied, and full of kindness and care of our King.” Now, that’s my JESUS!
Happy Thursday sweeties! Yesterday’s celebration was so BEAUTIFUL and we had a packed class full of wonderful parents and our presentation was a success! Our students performed at their best and of course they were so stinkin CUTE!!!! I’m going to miss these little munchkins!
Good morning, precious SRT sisters! I got home from my short trip yesterday. It was a restful time and a good time of closure. I went to several places that Jack and I used to go together and they were closed. God reminded me that I will always have my precious memories but a new chapter of my life has started. I appreciate your prayers so much. Also, I am going back to work at my old job starting Monday! I am so excited! I loved that job! The way God moved in this whole situation is amazing but not surprising! He is so so good! ❤️
Oh Lynne, I’m so glad you shared.
To have those memories is precious.
And to have God work in your life to get your job back is also precious.
Oh how He loves you!
And the comfort He gives…you are blessed.
Hugs for you, sweet sister. ❤️
Yes, Amen!
This is SO wonderful Lynn!! Prayers as you move forward, but keeping your precious memories close.
So glad that you were able to take a trip & honor Jack’s memory! Praying over you as you start your job again on Monday!
Oh, Lynne, praise God! He answered lots of prayers! ❤ He will be with you in this new chapter, too. Love you, sister! ❤
Yes..Even though those places were closed, you will always carry the memories of visiting them with Jack, in your heart.
Praise God for your old, new job.
Hurray! ❤️
I’m happy for you, Lynne. ❤️
Psalm 119:68 says that God is good and He does good and I am so thankful He has given you tangible evidence of that goodness this week! ❤️
Thank you King Jesus for your kindness. ❤️
Undeserved merit. A seat at the table. Provision. Extraordinary mercy and grace. Summoned by the King. Broken. Down trodden. Cast away. A covenant promise fulfilled. Authentic kindness.
This entire account is over flowing with the foreshadowing of Jesus and such a beautiful picture. Thanks be to God. The giver of life and hope through Jesus our Savior and Redeemer.
Amen!
Yes, Indeed! Amen!
Oh yes, Wendy B
Alone.
Broken.
Cast out.
Downtrodden.
Many have been there.
Brought back by the King.
David here is a shadow of the his greater descendant to come, Jesus!
There is a gospel overtone here that you cannot miss! A promise fulfilled to a dead Johnathan!
In some biblical narratives when a new king ascended to the throne they ruthlessly sought to murder and kill any remnant left from the previous dynasty so there would be no enemies to claim the throne.
David sought the lame and injured man and although he could not provide the physically healing; he provided restoration. “I will restore to you all your grandfather Saul’s fields and you will always eat meals at my table.” 2 Samuel 9:7.
I would like to think G-d restored his personhood. Another She mentioned that where Mephibosheth lived in Lo-debar was a barren place,which could be indicative of his condition. Mephi was in a barren place.”Verse 13 says,” “However, Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem because he always ate at the king’s table.His feet had been injured. ”
He got a new address.When you go to Jerusalem, you ascend to a higher elevation. You go up to Jerusalem.
Fast forward the greater descendant of David, the Holy One, Jesus,healed lame bodies and restored their personhood as he walked the dusty roads of this low place called earth.
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To have a seat at the table, after years of being forgotten.
The grandson of the once King, future was so bright. But early on it unraveled, falling to lameness. It’s so hard to belong, especially as a working male that can no longer do so. I’m sure he felt worthless for many, many years, forgotten and poor in spirit. When all was lost with no restoration or miracle on the horizon–he gets a redeemer! David remembered his promise to his dear friend Jonathon. He could have forgone this, after all, look at all he suffered at the hands of Saul, but no, he wanted to show kindness to Mephibosheth! Can you imagine showing up not only with one invite to the Kings table…but to be included as family from then on!! Restoration!!
We all get to come to the King’s table! Hallelujah!! May I never forget that no matter how dismissed, broken and forgotten I was and am currently-
I am invited, brought dressed anew…in his righteousness, covered in Grace
to the table…to sit with Him and you. We are a family, all of our transgressions and past washed away.
May we never forget our redemption for the cross. No one is worthy, no one is to far gone. No one can earn it, yet everyone has to say yes and receive!!
We praise you Lord for your Mercy and Grace, and your Son Jesus, our Redeemer and Restorer!! We love you and may we love each other with kindness daily, no matter their current position. We were all there once, and it is our job to show them the gift of his love.
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Preach, sister! ❤
I am Mephibosheth.
I’ve been dropped.
Not always physically, but emotionally, spiritually.
Life has wounded me in ways I didn’t ask for.
I’ve limped through seasons of fear, shame, loneliness.
I’ve lived in my own Lo-Debar—dry places, forgotten corners, far from joy.
But the King remembers me.
Not because I earned it. Not because I impressed Him.
He remembers me because of a covenant—
A love sealed long before I could understand it.
A promise of grace passed down through mercy.
The King calls my name.
He sends for me—not to destroy me, but to restore me.
I tremble at first. I expect judgment.
But instead, I find a seat.
A seat at the King’s table.
He doesn’t ask me to earn it.
He doesn’t point out my limp.
He simply says, “You belong here.”
Not as a servant.
But as a son.
2 Samuel 9:7
This is amazing! Thank you for sharing!
AMEN! Beautiful Kimberly!
“The King calls my name …….. you belong here.” That resounds deep in my soul. Thank you, Lord.
“He doesn’t ask me to earn it. He doesn’t point out my limp.” Gah. So good. And convicting…am I, at least in my heart or mind, pointing out limps where God sees none? Thank you for sharing your gift with us. ❤️
Beautiful, Kimberly, thank you for sharing.
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Kimberly, once again, just beautiful. Thank you❤️
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Amen! So beautifully expressed, once again, Kimberly! Thank You for using the amazing Gift God has bestowed upon you… I receive the blessing, gratefully! ❤️
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“Called by name”!
“Seated at the table”!
“A love long sealed”!
“Not a servant”!
“You belong here”!
Beautifully written, Kimberly.
❤️ Amen.
Amen
Amen
I’ve had a soft spot for Mephibosheth since I first read about him many years ago. Living with a disability, looked down upon, feeling the brunt of insults and condescension time and again to the point of little to no self esteem or feeling of worth … “What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?”
Then suddenly to be welcomed into the king’s home and treated like a son, what a blessing.
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I can look back many years to a place in time when King Jesus welcomed me, disabled and beaten down by my sin, into His family and made a place at His table for me, for always. I am so thankful.
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Reminded of a line from a song, “eating from a table that ever stays full”
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KELLY (NEO) ❤️ yesterday’s thoughts on Abigail. Praying for your young mama and baby boy, for healing and wisdom of medical team. What a frightening situation, on top of all she’s going through.
SHARON JERSEY GIRL ❤️
WENDY B ❤️
TANYA ❤️
KAREN ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️
TINA❤️
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(HEART)
Amen❤️
Yes David showed kindness, but he and Jonathan had a covenant that David was honoring by caring for Mephibosheth.
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In 2006, Leeland released a song that echoes Mephibosheth’s story, and ours, as the devition pointed out.
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“Carried to the Table” (several versions of videos on YouTube)
Lyrics below:
Wounded and forsaken
I was shattered by the fall
Broken and forgotten
Feeling lost and all alone
Summoned by the King
Into the Master’s courts
Lifted by the Savior
And cradled in His arms
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I was carried to the table
Seated where I don’t belong
Carried to the table
Swept away by His love
And I don’t see
My brokenness anymore
When I’m seated
At the table of the Lord
I’m carried to the table
The table of the Lord
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Fighting thoughts of fear
Wondering why He called my name
Am I good enough to share this cup
This world has left me lame
Even in my weakness
The Savior called my name
In His Holy presence
I’m healed and unashamed
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As I’m carried to the table
Seated where I don’t belong
Carried to the table
Swept away by His love
And I don’t see
My brokenness anymore
When I’m seated
At the table of the Lord
I’m carried to the table
The table of the Lord
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SUSAN BURLEY – praying Paul’s surgery went well and this will defeat the lymphoma.
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MARI V – happy you are feeling supported. Added a thought to your comment yesterday.
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Please pray for my young mama, she had to take the baby to ER. As of 1 am this morning, he was turning blue and having seizures.
He is 10 months old. :-(
Beautiful song, thank you for sharing…overwhelmed with thankfulness ❤️
Oh no…Praying for the baby! This poor mom.
Lord, bring about a change of circumstances for this young mamma and son even through this latest trial.
Oh Mama! Praying ❤️
Praying right now❤️
Just listened to this song, “Carried to the Table,” I had never heard it before. Thank you for sharing it, Kelly.
Praying for this precious young mama and her baby! Praying for wisdom for his care team! ❤️
Praying for young mama’s baby! And other requests.
Oh no!
Prayers for baby and momma!
Praying for your young mama! How scary to have her sweet baby in the hospital! Thank you for your continued prayers Kelly!
Kelly, thanks for sharing the song! Gonna listen when I finish here. I am praying for that little one and for the care team. May they determine the cause quickly and get him in a successful treatment plan. Prayers for ykung mama’s heart and for the anxiety of this extra financial burden! ❤
Frightening times for both baby and young momma. Praying.
Praying ❤️. Powerful song!