There's a Place for You

Many years ago, I remember when I first started to rap. I was about 12 years old. It was a hobby to escape the chaos in my life. When I was 4 my father walked out of my life and I watched my mom work hard to provide for my brother and I. I felt rejection and anger so writing down my thoughts became an outlet. I didn't share this with anyone but as time went on I got pretty good at it. When I entered my freshman year my brother and his friends took me along to one of the schools dances. I was small and I stayed in the shadows. The dj called me out and gave me the mic and all eyes where on me. I felt like I was going to have a heart attack. I eventually remember saying a couple of words and it began to flow out of me. The next day in school during lunch I was searching for one of my friends and as I walked through the cafeteria I noticed something different. People knew my name and were asking me to sit down next to them. Nothing was different accept what was in me came out of me. It all started with my dad leaving, me putting my emotions into words and opening my mouth. Your past doesn't define you, it develops you.

Scriptures

2 Samuel 9 (NLT)

1 ? * One day David asked, “Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive—anyone to whom I can show i kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” 2 * He summoned a man named Ziba, who had been one of Saul’s servants. “Are you Ziba?” the king asked.

“Yes sir, I am,” Ziba replied.

3 ? * The king then asked him, “Is anyone still alive from Saul’s family? If so, I want to show God’s kindness to them.”

Ziba replied, “Yes, one of Jonathan’s sons is still alive. He is crippled in both feet.”

4 ? * “Where is he?” the king asked.

“In Lo- debar,” Ziba told him, “at the home of Makir son of Ammiel.”

5 ? * So David sent for him and brought him from Makir’s home. 6 * His name was Mephibosheth; he was Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson. When he came to David, he bowed low to the ground in deep respect. David said, “Greetings, Mephibosheth.”

Mephibosheth replied, “I am your servant.”

7 ? * “Don’t be afraid!” David said. “I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!”

8 ? * Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, “Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?”

9 ? * Then the king summoned Saul’s servant Ziba and said, “I have given your master’s grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. 10 ? * You and your sons and servants are to farm the land for him to produce food for your master’s household. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, will eat here at my table.” (Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.)

11 ? * Ziba replied, “Yes, my lord the king; I am your servant, and I will do all that you have commanded.” And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly at David’s table, like one of the king’s own sons.

12 Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. From then on, all the members of Ziba’s household were Mephibosheth’s servants. 13 * And Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet, lived in Jerusalem and ate regularly at the king’s table.

Observations/Thoughts

Context/Background

Mephibosheth had a complicated life. When he was only 5 his grandfather and father were both killed. His plans radically shifted without his approval. He was on a trajectory to one day becoming the king and it didn't work out. What do you do when your game plan falls apart in the first quarter? While trying to escape he was dropped and sustained an injury that impacted his mobility. It's disheartening when you think about the injuries we sustain when we are dropped into situations. Perhaps you've been dropped into a broken home. Dropped into poverty. Dropped into unemployment. Dropped into heartbreak. Dropped into abuse. Have you ever tried to escape your situation only to do more damage? Drinking. Pills. Drugs. Self harm. In an effort to escape where we've been dropped, we can find peace in the most destructive things. However even with the damage done, the king wanted to know where Meph was.

1 Samuel 20:14-15 (NKJVS) And you shall not only show me the kindness of the Lord while I still live, that I may not die; 15 but you shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever, no, not when the Lord has cut off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth.”

2 Samuel 4:4 (NKJVS) Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel; and his nurse took him up and fled. And it happened, as she made haste to flee, that he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.

We are all fragile

Life has a tendency to reveal our weaknesses doesn't it? We do our best to cover our vulnerabilities but somehow we step in the pain. You ever brake a glass in your kitchen, clean it up only to step on a random shard later? You think you overcame the heart brake only to discover when it's time to love that there's still residue that impacts your walk. Depression, forgiveness, healing?

A few weeks ago my son shattered his phone. Oddly enough, I've seen his phone fall down the steps, I've seen it get knocked out of his hands. I've seen it sustain far more traumatic falls only to watch it shatter when it fell two feet off of his lap. It's amazing the things we survive only what appears to be minor can bring us to tears. We simply took his phone and got it repaired. He had to wait and wanted to convince me to continue to play with it but I didn't want him to learn to navigate through the lens of brokenness. I didn't want him to learn how to function within dysfunction. It did cost but it got fixed. Next we put a life proof case on it. So now if it falls it's protected; if it get dropped in water it's not ruined. Bring your broken pieces to Christ and allow Him to repair you. Grace is our life proof case, it doesn't keep you from falling, it keeps you from falling apart.

I am incredibly honored to be here with you all today. You have some of the most amazing pastors and leaders around you.

Beyond the boundaries of your dysfunction is the grace of God.

Romans 5:20 (NKJVS) Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,

1 John 4:8 (NKJVS) He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

Ziba

Ziba is an interesting guy. He served the previous king and was living it up since his death. When David asked about any survivors, Ziba mentions Mephibosheth and immediately says he is lame. His name means statue or monument. Do you have any memorabilia in your life that makes an effort to highlight your brokenness? Every time you think you can move forward, there's a reminder of your failures. Family photos or the job that let you go. Trips down memory lane take detours into Elm Street because you are haunted by the place where your dreams go to die. Religion makes an effort to show you a book of rules you need to follow. The job you lost haunts you. Seeing a pregnant belly haunts you.

Let me encourage you with the scriptures: there's no condemnation; grace is as infinite as God is; move on - your past is your present as long as you stand still. The church isn't made up of perfect people, it's broken people that follow a perfect God. Following Christ isn't behavior modification, it's modifying the way our heart behaves. The biggest difference between your past and your destiny is a single step. Look past your past to get into God's presence. Don't wait for people to validate your calling in God, walk in it and they will come to you later.

Romans 3:23 (NKJVS) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 8:1 (NKJVS) 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Philippians 3:13-14 (NKJVS) Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJVS) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Where is he? Lo-Debar: No Pasture

The name of the city Meph lived in was Lo-Debar. The name translates to no pasture. This means it lacks life, culture, purpose, ultimately it means no growth; hopeless. Many would say it was a "failed city". Something that could have been great but failed miserably. Does that sound familiar? Living with scars of the past in a place that completely lacks hope? It's like you live in a coulda sac with a view of the highway...you see people rapidly reaching their destination while you're stuck going in circles. The king sent for him. Brokenness and hopeless coexist in the area code of despair.

The king inquired about him and sent a messenger into the depths of despair and poverty and brokenness. The king is looking for you. The king has a place for you. God has been pursing you since He asked Adam, where are you? The love of God radically penetrates the baracades of death and darkness and brings light and life.

Genesis 3:9 (NKJVS) Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “ Where are you?”

Romans 8:38-39 (NKJVS) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Mephibosheth

Historically when a new king was put upon the throne he would eradicate the entire bloodline of the previous king to ensure they wouldn't make an effort to take control later. When summoned by the king understandably so Mephibosheth was afraid of judgement. He expected death but was given an abundant life. In many cases people avoid the presence of God because they expect to be judged for their past. Many believe their associations and brokenness disqualify them from a life of purpose or value. God calls you to exalt you. There's a Place for You.

I recall a season of my life when I was really struggling. I was in a car accident and wasn't working. It seemed every time I turned around there was another bill or expense. One day when I didn't have any money at all, I noticed an envelop sitting on my table that had been there for weeks. I opened it up and there was a check for $5,000 dollars. I read the letter and it said it was the payout of a stock I closed a long time ago. I thought it was another bill but it turned out to be a blessing. There's a difference between surviving and thriving. The intersection of surviving and thriving is met by grace. God is giving you the right away to get to your destiny. When God pursues us, we think He's chasing us down to take something from us but the reality is, it's an invitation to His table because you are kings and queens. There's a place for you.

John 10:10 (NKJVS) The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

3 John 1:2 (NKJVS) Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

Mephibosheth immediately began to talk the king out of his kindness. He referred to himself as a dead dog. Have you ever looked in the mirror and spoke negatively about yourself? Has someone ever done something for you and you felt unworthy of it? Don't let your revelation turn into self deprication. Turn your observation into empowerment. You're not a dead dog; you're a loyal servant that has given your life. You're not honoring God when you degrade His creation.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJVS) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

At the Kings Table

Mephibosheth is restored. David summons Ziba and instructs him and his sons and servants to serve Mephibosheth. That comes up to 35 servants in total. Let's do some divine algebra, 3+5 is 8, which means new beginnings. The monuments that used to tell us we aren't good enough, become the vehicle of grace and establish your new beginning. Your testimony becomes your platform. Your scars highlight what you survived, it's not a reflection of where you reside. My forwarding addressing is at the kings table. No matter your setback or struggle, God will use it for the good. The master chef will use the ingredients of dispair to put redemption in the air. You likely didn't know that you were not lost, you were in deep cover behind enemy lines. Now you report back to duty fully aware of how to conduct rescue missions.

The text says Mephibosheth had a son, Micha which means who is like God...it shows though you may feel paralyzed, you can still be productive. The things we produce in our brokenness can be the seed to carry on our legacy.

Ephesians 2:4-6 (NKJVS) But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

Romans 8:28 (Voice) We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.

Revelation 12:11 (NKJVS) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

Points

Psalms 23:5 (NKJVS) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.

You're welcome at the table

You're anointed

You're abundantly blessed...being blessed isn't about what's in your account, it's about who you count on

Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

2 Samuel 9:1–13 ESV

1 And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” 2 Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “I am your servant.” 3 And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.” 4 The king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.” 5 Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar. 6 And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, “Mephibosheth!” And he answered, “Behold, I am your servant.” 7 And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.” 8 And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?” 9 Then the king called Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master’s grandson. 10 And you and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him and shall bring in the produce, that your master’s grandson may have bread to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s grandson shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. 11 Then Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king commands his servant, so will your servant do.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, like one of the king’s sons. 12 And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. And all who lived in Ziba’s house became Mephibosheth’s servants. 13 So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king’s table. Now he was lame in both his feet.

Closing

Mephibosheth sat at the kings table and the bible says his legs were still damaged. Your seat at the table isn't predicated on perfection, it's found in submission. Even though he had scars, there was a place for him. Even in your struggles there's a place for you. In your mistakes there is a place for you. My sons was missing in the church...I found him and hugged him and was glad he was ok.

At the table with Jesus was doubt, denial, betrayal and abandonment...no matter your issue, there's a place for you at the kings table. Jesus served His body and blood...redemption. You're brokenness is welcome at the table because grace is on the menu.

Luke 15:4-7 (NKJVS) “ What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety- nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘ Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost! ’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety- nine just persons who need no repentance.

Matthew 26:26-28 (NKJVS) 26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “ Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “ Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Psalms 103:14 (NKJVS) For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.

Illustration/Introduction

Lord we are thankful for your presence, your word, your people. As we gather, let this time be a time of encouragement. Give us open eyes, open ears, and open hearts. In the name of Jesus, amen!

Many years ago, I remember when I first started to rap. I was about 12 years old. It was a hobby to escape the chaos in my life. When I was 4 my father walked out of my life and I watched my mom work hard to provide for my brother and I. I felt rejection and anger so writing down my thoughts became an outlet. I didn't share this with anyone but as time went on I got pretty good at it. When I entered my freshman year my brother and his friends took me along to one of the schools dances. I was small and I stayed in the shadows. The dj called me out and gave me the mic and all eyes where on me. I felt like I was going to have a heart attack. I eventually remember saying a couple of words and it began to flow out of me. The next day in school during lunch I was searching for one of my friends and as I walked through the cafeteria I noticed something different. People knew my name and were asking me to sit down next to them. Nothing was different accept what was in me came out of me. It all started with my dad leaving, me putting my emotions into words and opening my mouth. Your past doesn't define you, it develops you.

Scriptures

(NLT)

1 ? * One day David asked, “Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive—anyone to whom I can show i kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” 2 * He summoned a man named Ziba, who had been one of Saul’s servants. “Are you Ziba?” the king asked.

“Yes sir, I am,” Ziba replied.

3 ? * The king then asked him, “Is anyone still alive from Saul’s family? If so, I want to show God’s kindness to them.”

Ziba replied, “Yes, one of Jonathan’s sons is still alive. He is crippled in both feet.”

4 ? * “Where is he?” the king asked.

“In Lo- debar,” Ziba told him, “at the home of Makir son of Ammiel.”

5 ? * So David sent for him and brought him from Makir’s home. 6 * His name was Mephibosheth; he was Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson. When he came to David, he bowed low to the ground in deep respect. David said, “Greetings, Mephibosheth.”

Mephibosheth replied, “I am your servant.”

7 ? * “Don’t be afraid!” David said. “I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!”

8 ? * Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, “Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?”

9 ? * Then the king summoned Saul’s servant Ziba and said, “I have given your master’s grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. 10 ? * You and your sons and servants are to farm the land for him to produce food for your master’s household. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, will eat here at my table.” (Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.)

11 ? * Ziba replied, “Yes, my lord the king; I am your servant, and I will do all that you have commanded.” And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly at David’s table, like one of the king’s own sons.

12 Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. From then on, all the members of Ziba’s household were Mephibosheth’s servants. 13 * And Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet, lived in Jerusalem and ate regularly at the king’s table.

I suspect that there are some among us that may have gotten off to a rough start. Our awareness of our deficit can give us permission to stop dreaming. However, I have discovered, nothing is wasted when grace gets involved. God didn’t cause all things but He can certainly work all things together for the good. I want to talk to us for a few minutes about how the grace of God invites us all to be a part of His Kingdom.

Observations/Thoughts

Context/Background

Mephibosheth had a complicated life. When he was only 5 his grandfather and father were both killed. His plans radically shifted without his approval. He was on a trajectory to one day becoming the king and it didn't work out. What do you do when your game plan falls apart in the first quarter? While trying to escape he was dropped and sustained an injury that impacted his mobility. It's disheartening when you think about the injuries we sustain when we are dropped into situations. Perhaps you've been dropped into a broken home. Dropped into poverty. Dropped into unemployment. Dropped into heartbreak. Dropped into abuse. Have you ever tried to escape your situation only to do more damage? Drinking. Pills. Drugs. Self harm. In an effort to escape where we've been dropped, we can find peace in the most destructive things. However even with the damage done, the king wanted to know where Meph was. (; )

Mephibosheth had a complicated life. When he was only 5 his grandfather and father were both killed. His plans radically shifted without his approval. He was on a trajectory to one day becoming the king and it didn't work out. What do you do when your game plan falls apart in the first quarter? While trying to escape he was dropped and sustained an injury that impacted his mobility. It's disheartening when you think about the injuries we sustain when we are dropped into situations. Perhaps you've been dropped into a broken home. Dropped into poverty. Dropped into unemployment. Dropped into heartbreak. Dropped into abuse. Have you ever tried to escape your situation only to do more damage? Drinking. Pills. Drugs. Self harm. In an effort to escape where we've been dropped, we can find peace in the most destructive things. However even with the damage done, the king wanted to know where Meph was.

(NKJVS) And you shall not only show me the kindness of the Lord while I still live, that I may not die; 15 but you shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever, no, not when the Lord has cut off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth.”

(NKJVS) Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel; and his nurse took him up and fled. And it happened, as she made haste to flee, that he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.

We are all fragile

Life has a tendency to reveal our weaknesses doesn't it? We do our best to cover our vulnerabilities but somehow we step in the pain. You ever brake a glass in your kitchen, clean it up only to step on a random shard later? You think you overcame the heart brake only to discover when it's time to love that there's still residue that impacts your walk. Depression, forgiveness, healing?

A few weeks ago my son shattered his phone. Oddly enough, I've seen his phone fall down the steps, I've seen it get knocked out of his hands. I've seen it sustain far more traumatic falls only to watch it shatter when it fell two feet off of his lap. It's amazing the things we survive only what appears to be minor can bring us to tears. We simply took his phone and got it repaired. He had to wait and wanted to convince me to continue to play with it but I didn't want him to learn to navigate through the lens of brokenness. I didn't want him to learn how to function within dysfunction. It did cost but it got fixed. Next we put a life proof case on it. So now if it falls it's protected; if it get dropped in water it's not ruined. Bring your broken pieces to Christ and allow Him to repair you. Grace is our life proof case, it doesn't keep you from falling, it keeps you from falling apart.

Beyond the boundaries of your dysfunction is the grace of God. (; )

Beyond the boundaries of your dysfunction is the grace of God.

(NKJVS) Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,

(NKJVS) He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

Ziba

Ziba is an interesting guy. He served the previous king and was living it up since his death. When David asked about any survivors, Ziba mentions Mephibosheth and immediately says he is lame. His name means statue or monument. Do you have any memorabilia in your life that makes an effort to highlight your brokenness? Every time you think you can move forward, there's a reminder of your failures. Family photos or the job that let you go. Trips down memory lane take detours into Elm Street because you are haunted by the place where your dreams go to die. Religion makes an effort to show you a book of rules you need to follow. The job you lost haunts you. Seeing a pregnant belly haunts you.

Let me encourage you with the scriptures: there's no condemnation; grace is as infinite as God is; move on - your past is your present as long as you stand still. The church isn't made up of perfect people, it's broken people that follow a perfect God. Following Christ isn't behavior modification, it's modifying the way our heart behaves. The biggest difference between your past and your destiny is a single step. Look past your past to get into God's presence. Don't wait for people to validate your calling in God, walk in it and they will come to you later. (; ; ; )

Let me encourage you with the scriptures: there's no condemnation; grace is as infinite as God is; move on - your past is your present as long as you stand still. The church isn't made up of perfect people, it's broken people that follow a perfect God. Following Christ isn't behavior modification, it's modifying the way our heart behaves. The biggest difference between your past and your destiny is a single step. Look past your past to get into God's presence. Don't wait for people to validate your calling in God, walk in it and they will come to you later.

(NKJVS) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

(NKJVS) 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

(NKJVS) Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

(NKJVS) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Where is he? Lo-Debar: No Pasture

The name of the city Meph lived in was Lo-Debar. The name translates to no pasture. This means it lacks life, culture, purpose, ultimately it means no growth; hopeless. Many would say it was a "failed city". Something that could have been great but failed miserably. Does that sound familiar? Living with scars of the past in a place that completely lacks hope? It's like you live in a coulda sac with a view of the highway...you see people rapidly reaching their destination while you're stuck going in circles. The king sent for him. Brokenness and hopeless coexist in the area code of despair.

The king inquired about him and sent a messenger into the depths of despair and poverty and brokenness. The king is looking for you. The king has a place for you. God has been pursing you since He asked Adam, where are you? The love of God radically penetrates the barricades of death and darkness and brings light and life. (; )

The king inquired about him and sent a messenger into the depths of despair and poverty and brokenness. The king is looking for you. The king has a place for you. God has been pursing you since He asked Adam, where are you? The love of God radically penetrates the baracades of death and darkness and brings light and life.

(NKJVS) Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “ Where are you?”

(NKJVS) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Mephibosheth

Historically when a new king was put upon the throne he would eradicate the entire bloodline of the previous king to ensure they wouldn't make an effort to take control later. When summoned by the king understandably so Mephibosheth was afraid of judgement. He expected death but was given an abundant life. In many cases people avoid the presence of God because they expect to be judged for their past. Many believe their associations and brokenness disqualify them from a life of purpose or value. God calls you to exalt you. There's a Place for You.

I recall a season of my life when I was really struggling. I was in a car accident and wasn't working. It seemed every time I turned around there was another bill or expense. One day when I didn't have any money at all, I noticed an envelop sitting on my table that had been there for weeks. I opened it up and there was a check for $5,000 dollars. I read the letter and it said it was the payout of a stock I closed a long time ago. I thought it was another bill but it turned out to be a blessing. There's a difference between surviving and thriving. The intersection of surviving and thriving is met by grace. God is giving you the right away to get to your destiny. When God pursues us, we think He's chasing us down to take something from us but the reality is, it's an invitation to His table because you are kings and queens. There's a place for you.(; )

I recall a season of my life when I was really struggling. I was in a car accident and wasn't working. It seemed every time I turned around there was another bill or expense. One day when I didn't have any money at all, I noticed an envelop sitting on my table that had been there for weeks. I opened it up and there was a check for $5,000 dollars. I read the letter and it said it was the payout of a stock I closed a long time ago. I thought it was another bill but it turned out to be a blessing. There's a difference between surviving and thriving. The intersection of surviving and thriving is met by grace. God is giving you the right away to get to your destiny. When God pursues us, we think He's chasing us down to take something from us but the reality is, it's an invitation to His table because you are kings and queens. There's a place for you.

(NKJVS) The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

(NKJVS) Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

Mephibosheth immediately began to talk the king out of his kindness. He referred to himself as a dead dog. Have you ever looked in the mirror and spoke negatively about yourself? Has someone ever done something for you and you felt unworthy of it? Don't let your revelation turn into self deprecation. Turn your observation into empowerment. You're not a dead dog; you're a loyal servant that has given your life. You're not honoring God when you degrade His creation. ()

Mephibosheth immediately began to talk the king out of his kindness. He referred to himself as a dead dog. Have you ever looked in the mirror and spoke negatively about yourself? Has someone ever done something for you and you felt unworthy of it? Don't let your revelation turn into self deprication. Turn your observation into empowerment. You're not a dead dog; you're a loyal servant that has given your life. You're not honoring God when you degrade His creation.

(NKJVS) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

At the Kings Table

Mephibosheth is restored. David summons Ziba and instructs him and his sons and servants to serve Mephibosheth. That comes up to 35 servants in total. Let's do some divine algebra, 3+5 is 8, which means new beginnings. The monuments that used to tell us we aren't good enough, become the vehicle of grace and establish your new beginning. Your testimony becomes your platform. Your scars highlight what you survived, it's not a reflection of where you died. My forwarding addressing is at the kings table. No matter your setback or struggle, God will use it for the good. The master chef will use the ingredients of despair to put redemption in the air. You likely didn't know that you were not lost, you were in deep cover behind enemy lines. Now you report back to duty fully aware of how to conduct rescue missions.

Mephibosheth is restored. David summons Ziba and instructs him and his sons and servants to serve Mephibosheth. That comes up to 35 servants in total. Let's do some divine algebra, 3+5 is 8, which means new beginnings. The monuments that used to tell us we aren't good enough, become the vehicle of grace and establish your new beginning. Your testimony becomes your platform. Your scars highlight what you survived, it's not a reflection of where you reside. My forwarding addressing is at the kings table. No matter your setback or struggle, God will use it for the good. The master chef will use the ingredients of dispair to put redemption in the air. You likely didn't know that you were not lost, you were in deep cover behind enemy lines. Now you report back to duty fully aware of how to conduct rescue missions.

The text says Mephibosheth had a son, Micha which means who is like God...it shows though you may feel paralyzed, you can still be productive. The things we produce in our brokenness can be the seed to carry on our legacy.

The text says Mephibosheth had a son, Micha which means who is like God...it shows though you may feel paralyzed, you can still be productive. The things we produce in our brokenness can be the seed to carry on our legacy. (; ; )

(NKJVS) But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

(Voice) We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.

(NKJVS) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

Points

(NKJVS) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.

(NKJV) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.

You're welcome at the table

You're anointed

You're abundantly blessed...being blessed isn't about what's in your account, it's about who you count on

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Closing

Mephibosheth sat at the kings table and the bible says his legs were still damaged. Your seat at the table isn't predicated on perfection, it's found in submission. Even though he had scars, there was a place for him. Even in your struggles there's a place for you. In your mistakes there is a place for you. My sons was missing in the church...I found him and hugged him and was glad he was ok.

At the table with Jesus was doubt, denial, betrayal and abandonment...no matter your issue, there's a place for you at the kings table. Jesus served His body and blood...redemption. You're brokenness is welcome at the table because grace is on the menu. (; )

At the table with Jesus was doubt, denial, betrayal and abandonment...no matter your issue, there's a place for you at the kings table. Jesus served His body and blood...redemption. You're brokenness is welcome at the table because grace is on the menu.

(NKJVS) “ What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety- nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘ Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost! ’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety- nine just persons who need no repentance.

(NKJVS) 26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “ Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “ Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

(NKJVS) For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.

There's a Place for You

Introduction

Scripture

Prayer

Illustration

Transition

Observations

Dropped

We are all fragile

Ziba

Where is he? Lo-Debar: No Pasture

Mephibosheth

At the Kings Table

Points

Closing