2 Samuel 9:8 says, “Mephibosheth bowed down and said, ‘What is your servant that you take an interest in a dead dog like me?’” Through the years religion has taught us a response not unlike Mephibosheth’s response. It teaches us that, even though we’re in Christ, we are still evil, and we’re unworthy. In essence, like Mephibosheth, we see ourselves as “dead dogs.”
But thank God for King David! His treatment of Mephibosheth is a picture of God’s grace, mercy, & unconditional love, based only on a covenant. For us, it is the New Covenant made between the Father and His Son, of which we have been made partakers. We can eat at the King’s table because He says so.
Religion says to be fearful of an angry, judgmental God. Religion says “keep short accounts with God.” Nowhere is that phrase found in Scripture, but it sounds right and feeds our natural mind’s logic that says surely we’re not really forgiven. “Surely there has to be a part for us to play to keep our spot at the King’s table.”
Yes, we do have a part to play. And that part is to believe, to gaze upon Him and be transformed by our minds’ being renewed in His grace and love. “His grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness.” It is amazing how simple it is.
Mephibosheth thinks David wants to kill him when David wants to bless him. Mephibosheth saw only his brokenness and unworthiness. Many times we look at ourselves and see the same brokenness and unworthiness. But through Jesus’ horrid sacrifice on the cross, the Father has forgiven everything! He beckons us, “Come boldly to the throne of grace! Rest your head on the chest of Jesus like John did. Rest and eat of Heaven’s best!
Like Mephibosheth, we are lame. We are lame yet we are eating at the King’s table. Though we are unable to “walk” in perfection, we are eating at the King’s table. Why? Because the King says so, that’s why. It really is amazing how simple it is.