--by Pastor Cory
In 2 Samuel, there’s a story about a 5yr old named Mephibosheth, who was a grandson to King Saul. On this particular day, King Saul had been defeated by David, who was now headed to the palace to begin his reign as king. And the palace is in a haste to get out before David arrives, because usually everyone was killed off, so as not to leave any question about who is the rightful heir to the throne.
So Mephibosheth, playing in the courtyards without a care in the world, had quite the rude awakening, finding out that not only has his grandfather and father been killed in battle, but also believing that David wanted to destroy him. And now he must leave everything he knows and loves and go into hiding.
As if all that wasn’t scarring enough, in leaving, his nurse drops him, breaking both legs, leaving Mephibosheth lame. He is taken to an obscure town named Lodebar, a barren town, where most lived with no hope. Mephibosheth went from princely living to hopelessness in mere seconds, to live out the rest of his days lame and wondering how he’d survive.
Have you ever had a moment in your life, where everything seemed fine, then all of a sudden, your world was turned upside down. Maybe it’s that someone you thought you could trust, violates that trust. Or, maybe a relationship that you thought would go the distance, but has now crumbled around you. For some, a job which seemed secure, goes through upheaval and you’re being told downsizing is in the best interest of the company. This last year and a half have left many with their world turned upside down. And in these moments, all hope can seem lost.
In our story, unbeknownst to Mephibosheth, King David was best friends with his father Prince Jonathan, and the two had promised to always take care of one another. David sought out anyone within the family that he could show kindness too. Learning of Mephibosheth, King David has him brought to the palace, and tells him, “Don’t be afraid, I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. David even invites Mephibosheth to sit and eat at the king’s table. To which Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, “Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?”
David wanted to bless and care for Mephibosheth, to bring him in as one of his own sons, and yet all the years of hopelessness had made Mephibosheth think of himself as worthless, that he wasn’t worth it.
In the same way, spiritually, many of us have retreated to a desolate place, where we begin to believe incorrect things about God. We think, ‘Oh, He’s mad at me because, I haven’t been doing what I know I probably should be doing.’ Or, ‘He’s upset, and He’s just waiting to end me.’ We carry guilt and think that God is holding it over us.
But just as that wasn’t King David’s response, neither is it God’s. The story of Mephibosheth, is todays Easter story for us all. In Christ, your hopeless days are over! John 3:17 says, “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world. No, He sent Him so that He could save the world through Him.” We are all spiritually fallen and broken, but we were pursued by the King. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and His blood that was shed for us, covers our spiritually broken condition. The sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus on Calvary’s cross gives us forgiveness of our sins, and we too are made like one of the King’s own sons. You may think that you are broken and useless, that all hope is lost, but God says that you are chosen and invited to His table.
I encourage you, no matter where you may find yourself today, and no matter what people may have told you about Christ, to trust in His love. It’s a love that is unconditional and continually pursues you! A love that never fails! And all that’s required of you is to believe!