There's
a story in the Bible that talks about the fierce battle between the families of
the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. After Saul and his son,
Jonathan, died in battle, their family's power slowly diminished in the land. To add to their struggle, people, thinking they were doing David a favor, began to kill off Saul's
descendents. This didn't sit well with David. For when two men murdered another of Saul's sons, he had them executed.
When David was finally crowned
King over Israel, one of his first acts as king was to find any of Saul's
living relatives. He was soon informed that a crippled named Mephibosheth was
the only one left of Saul's household. He was the son of Jonathan, David's good
friend. King David sent for him, and when he arrived, he said... “Don’t
be afraid,” ..., “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your
father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your
grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” A
few sentences down, we further read: So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table
like one of the king’s sons. (2 Samuel 9:7, 11b)
Here was a man that had no rights or privileges to receive such blessings. But
out of the grace that Jonathan first extended to him, David returned it upon
Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth.
As we're about to celebrate another Thanksgiving, I'm reminded of King David's
table and how it applies to us as followers of Christ. And here are but a few
reasons why: First, although I
never deserved to sit around the King's table, I am welcomed through Christ to
be there. I no longer have to fear God's wrath because peace has been given to
me through Jesus. Second, if I receive nothing else in this life but God's
grace and forgiveness, I am blessed beyond measure. Everything else is
"icing on the cake." And third, I can celebrate today and I am
thankful today because I am a Child of the King. You see, I'm not just invited
to God's table, I'm also adopted into His family. And I have every right that
is given to His children.
Even though my sin had made me a crippled, even though my family line was full
of death and despair, it was through God's favor that I’m invited to sit and
eat and enjoy God’s abundance and presence. I will forever be thankful for such
a marvelous blessing.
May you remember where your blessings come
from as you sit around the table this Thanksgiving as well.
