Mephibosheth

One of the most incredible stories of restoration and redemption is found in 2 Samuel chapter 4. Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, the grandson of Saul, who was the first king of Israel.  Saul and Jonathan were killed in battle leaving the throne empty.  In those days a new king would often kill the family of the previous king to stake out his territory.  David had no intention of following that tradition, but the family of Saul did not know that.  When Saul and Jonathan's family heard the news of their death they were hurrying to escape because of the 5 year old son (heir to the throne) Mephibosheth.  During the escape, Mephibosheth slipped from the arms of his nurse, permanently damaging both feet.  He would be cripple the rest of his life.

For nearly two decades the young prince lived in a distant land, unable to walk to the king, too fearful to talk to the king.  Mephibosheth's father was Jonathan who was David's best friend before he became king.  King Saul, Jonathan's father was trying to kill David because he was threatened by him to overthrow the kingdom.  Meanwhile, Jonathan was the one helping David escape.  You would think Jonathan would want to kill David as well since Jonathan was next in line to the throne.  Jonathan promised to save David, and asked his friend one favor in return: "You must never stop showing kindness to my family, even when the LORD has destroyed all your enemies from the earth." This probably was a great memory for David.

David asked an adviser if there was anyone living from the house of Jonathan.  The servant, Ziba, new that Mephibosheth lived in a town called, "Lo Debar" meaning barren place.  So, we have a prince crippled in both feet living in the barren place.  Can you imagine, what kind of self-esteem this man had?  No one would have blamed David for ignoring Mephibosheth, but David said, "Where is this son?" Every mention of Mephibosheth so far has been of a handicap.  David calls him a son.  He doesn't ask where is this problem child, but rather where is this son?

Mephibosheth carried the stigma of "cripple" for 20 years, and King David called him son.  In fact, King David brought Mephibosheth into the palace and adopted him into the family.  He gave Mephibosheth all the land of his grandfather Saul, and made sure he ate at the kings table for every meal.  He sat right next to Amnon, Tamar, Absalom, Solomon, commander of the army Joab, and among many others.  He was right in the middle with all the King's family and closet adviser's. 

David took Mephibosheth from the barren place of Lo Debar, and placed him at the kings table, so Jesus takes us in our sin and because of His sacrifice on the cross makes us worthy to sit as His table. Apart from Christ we are barren of holiness and righteousness, but when we accept Christ's call to be saved we are made righteous, worthy, and holy. Some of you may feel like you've been crippled by sin for 20 years, but one touch from the Master and He will heal you and bring you into His presence forever. Jesus is the redeemer, restorer, and lifter of your head. He is your healer. David fell short, and could never heal Mephibosheth from being crippled, but Jesus doesn't fall short and can heal the broken, crippled places of your spirit, body, heart, and soul. Jesus is King, and He is on the throne forever and ever.