carried to the table

And David said, "Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?"
2 Samuel 9:1

David's heart longed to acknowledge in gratitude, the debt he owed to his good friend Jonathan. His memories of the joy of that relationship with Saul's son and valiant hero of Israel led him to pursue finding anyone of the house of Saul on whom to express that grace. This was not proper protocol. Kings sought to eradicate any bloodlines from past dynasties. In this case, David longed to preserve it. Imagine his joy when a son of Jonathan is found!

Mephibosheth was by this time a young man with a son of his own. But David reaches out to him, deep need and all. He is cripplied and unable to walk from a childhood injury. David takes him into the palace and feeds him like a prince at his own table. The son and grandson of Jonathan are loved like David's own children. This was a merciful love, the king do extravagant grace that showed just how much David truly was a man after God's own heart. he was merciful and gracious because God was merciful and gracious.

David's example of grace is powerful and instructive. It causes me to look at my own heart. Am I as willing to sacrifice and take into my life good people in deep need? Am I willing to reach out to those I don't HAVE to love and reach out to help? That is what mercy and grace will do in me because that is what God's mercy and grace did for me! Will I do the same when the time comes to do so?

I keep hearing Leeland's haunting song... "Carried to the Table":
Wounded and forsaken
I was shattered by the fall
Broken and forgotten
Feeling lost and all alone
Summoned by the King
Into the Master’s courts
Lifted by the Savior
And cradled in His arms

I was carried to the table
Seated where I don’t belong
Carried to the table
Swept away by His love
And I don’t see my brokenness anymore
When I’m seated at the table of the Lord
I’m carried to the table
The table of the Lord

Fighting thoughts of fear
And wondering why He called my name
Am I good enough to share this cup
This world has left me lame
Even in my weakness
The Savior called my name
In His Holy presence
I’m healed and unashamed

You carried me, my God
You carried me

So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king's table. Now he was lame in both his feet.
2 Samuel 9:13


- Prepare your minds for action.
1 Peter 1:13