Context for this week’s devotionals can be found in the story of David and Mephibosheth. You can read the whole account here: 1 Samuel 20, 2 Samuel 4:4, 2 Samuel 9
This week we will be talking about Mephibosheth. I know… who?
In the Old Testament, before David became king, he was being pursued by King Saul of Israel, who had every intention of killing David. Fortunately, David had a good friend, Jonathan – also King Saul’s son, who protected David from being found by Saul.
In short, Jonathan saved David’s life. In gratitude, David vowed to show unfailing kindness, like the Lord’s kindness, to Jonathan and his family for as long as they lived. Mephibosheth was one of Jonathan’s sons.
Later in this story, King Saul and Jonathan were killed. In fear for young Mephibosheth’s life, his nurse picked him up and fled, but in doing so he fell and became lame.
Wow, what a rough life for such a young boy! The death of his grandfather, father, and loss of physical ability, all by the age of five.
Some of us can relate to Mephibosheth. Life hasn’t been easy – a troubled childhood, an addiction, or loss of someone very dear to us. No matter the circumstances, the Christmas table may not have looked like we dreamed it would this year. It left us feeling sad, angry, or hopeless for the new year.
However, as we will read in the coming days, we, like Mephibosheth, have someone who shows favor on us: our loving God. That does not mean we will not have difficulty in life. It does mean we have a faithful Father who will never leave or forsake us, who has great plans for us, plans to give us hope and a future, despite our circumstances.
As you look toward this new year, know there will always be an invitation to God’s table. There you will find healing, hope, joy, and an unfailing love!
