A Lame Boy Reminds Us We All Come To The Table Scarred


"The king asked, “Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?” Ziba answered the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in both feet.” II Samuel 9:3

In the days when David became king of Israel it wasn't uncommon for a new king to have everyone from the previous king's family executed. This was done to insure there was no one remaining with a claim to the throne. When Saul and his sons Jonathan and Ishbosheth had both been killed, and David was made king this was everyone's fear. So a nurse took Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, and fled. In her escape she dropped the boy and he became lame in his feet. He would walk with a limp for the rest of his life.

Years later we find the conversation from above. Jonathan had been David's friend, and now David is wondering if there is a way he can honor him. Mephibosheth had lived his entire life in hiding up to this point. Imagine his fear when a chariot pulled up in front of his home one day. The king had sent for him. He had nothing to fear though. Not only would David do him no harm, he would be brought to the King's palace where he would dine at the king's table for the rest of his life.

Each night when the call for dinner would come Mephibosheth would limp in with his crutches and take his place at the table. He knew he was there because of grace.

If there's one thing we all have in common with Mephibosheth it's that life leaves us scarred. Those scars aren't always as visible as his, since many of them occur deep within our hearts. Although we heal those scars remain and remind us of times when life hurt us. Sometimes those scars cause us to hide who we are or what's happened to us. However, reality was everyone at the table With Mephibosheth was scarred. Those scars may not have been as visible, but they all had them. David himself had experienced terrible hurts in his life.

Father invites all of us to come and dine at his table. What's important to remember is that everyone comes to the table scarred. If Mephibosheth had looked at those to his right and left he may have thought their journey was easy. Life had hurt them as well though, just as it has you and me. The good news is that even with our hurts and fears we are welcomed by the King. Don't allow your scars to cause you to live in hiding. You're invited to the table.

Come and dine.

Following the Son,

James A Williams

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