The Well
The Well |
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Connecting Hope to the Hurting | |
Thursday
May 22, 2008
One day David began wondering if anyone in Saul's family was still alive, for
he had promised Jonathan that he would show kindness to them…
The king then asked him, "Is anyone still alive from
Saul's family? If so, I want to show God's kindness to them in any way I
can."
Ziba replied, "Yes, one of Jonathan's sons is still alive, but he is
crippled."
"Where is he?" the king asked.
"In Lo-debar," Ziba told him,
"at the home of Makir son of Ammiel." So David sent for him and brought him from
Makir's home. His name was Mephibosheth; he
was Jonathan's son and Saul's grandson. When he came to David, he bowed low in
great fear and said, "I am your servant."…
And Mephibosheth, who was crippled
in both feet, moved to Jerusalem to live at the palace.
2 Samuel 9:1, 3-6,
13
Have you been to Lo-debar? No, I don't mean the actually physical place, I mean an emotional or spiritual Lo-debar; a place where you give up? Many of us have been there and many of us are still there, but there is hope. God will bring us out.
Mephibosheth was Saul's only remaining heir. According to our standards today, and even back then, he should have inherited all that David owned. However, because of his grandfather's sin and fear Mephibosheth was penniless and crippled. Yet, King David was God's servant and represented grace and mercy toward this man.
In those days the crippled were looked down on even worse than they are today. They weren't even allowed in the Temple. However, King David brought him to the palace and allowed him to eat at his table.
God prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies. He wants us to come out of Lo-debar and let Him shower His love and kindness on us.
Father, for those who remain in Lo-debar today, I pray You will give them the strength and presence of mind to rise up and walk. We need Your grace to make it Lord.
