Table of grace.
The table of grace.
2 Samuel 9:7, 13
Today we will take a look at a young man who was dropped when he was 5 years old and see him later in his life as he finds himself seated at the King’s table.
Growing up we used to sing a song entitled “Grace for every need.”
The chorus said “There is grace for every need, grace for you, grace for me, keeping true, keeping free, precious saving grace indeed, flowing from the throne above; grace to cover all my sin, grace to all who believe, O this grace now receive, full for forgiveness all may win, yes there’ grace in the Lord’s perfect love.”
- Who is Mephibosheth?
His grandfather was Saul, and His father was Jonathan. At 5 years old he was dropped by his nurse as she hurried to flee Jerusalem after hearing the news that Saul and Jonathan had been killed in Jezreel, and he becomes lamed.
· He is a lame prince.
· Often wronged.
· Familiar with tragedy.
· He never grew angry or became embittered.
· His name means “Dispeller of shame.”
- Where is he living?
Mephibosheth is dwelling in a place called Lo debar. It is located on the East side of the Jordan River. It is a place of no pasture. Nothing much exists at this low place.
- He is being sought.
Once David consolidated his kingdom he remembered the covenant he had made with Jonathan. This covenant was one of friendship and protection and it extended to their offspring.
(1 Samuel 20:14, 15)
When David heard that Jonathan’s son was still alive, he immediately developed a plan to fulfill this covenant, even though Jonathan was dead. He sent for Mephibosheth.
Mephiboseth had every reason to be afraid. He knew it was customary in the Middle East for new dynasties to kill the children of former rulers to keep them from trying to regain the throne in the name of their families. As he enters the King’s presence he positions himself at the King’s feet.
Mephiboseth considered him self a dog. Dogs in Israel were considered as scavengers and unclean. Mephiboseth sees himself as the lowest of all lows.
4. The blessing that is given.
King David reaches out to Jonathan’s son and tells him not to fear because he was going to show him kindness for his father’s sake, and he was going to restore to him the house and property of Saul at Gibeah.
He also promised that Mephiboseth could eat at the King’s table. This would not be a once in a lifetime experience, Mephiboseth would experience the allowance from the king for the rest of his life.
Remember, David had eaten once at King Saul’s table and it almost killed him, now Saul’s grandson would sit at the King’s table of grace and enjoy the King’s protection.
5. The blessing received.
You can hear Mephiboseth dragging his feet coming to the table and that is all right because when he places his crippled feet under the King’s table, they were covered. At the table of grace Mephiboseth’s past is covered. He is now regarded as an adopted son who has privileges and blessing.
- According to the prophet Jeremiah, 31:13-34, God is faithful to His word.
- According to the prophet Malachi, the table of God was a reference to God’s altar.
- According to 1 John 3:1, 2 God’s table of grace covers many infirmities.
- According to 1 Peter 1:3-5, sitting at God’s table of grace brings restoration, realignment, and renewal.
- Sitting at God’s table takes us from poverty to plenty, from disgrace to His grace.
At God’s table of grace you will enjoy the atmosphere, the communion, the intimate fellowship and His joy.
God’s table is a table of abundant provision. In the presence of my enemies, the Lord spreads His table.
At this table you will find the “Bread of Life”-Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, the water of life {never thirst again}, the fruit of the Spirit.
v Some of you have been dropped by a death, a divorce, a disaster, a disease. You have been scared for life, but the King has sent His Spirit to find you, to realign you, to restore you, to refresh you, and to resurrect you! Your scars serve as a reminder from where He (God) has brought you.
Come to the table of grace!