And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet. The king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-Debar.” Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-Debar. 2 Samuel 9:3-5
A person’s family reputation often precedes them. If a person has the wrong family heritage, it can cause one to have a negative preconceived perception of them. In fact, one of the first things we want to know about someone new is What kind of family does he come from? Back in Bible times, social standing was important.
Mephibosheth was a handicapped man that came from a family with many problems. He was the grandson of King Saul, whose family had once been in power but now they were out of favor with God and men. All the descendants of Saul had been earmarked for death and that included Mephibosheth. He was doomed to die an inglorious death. He came from a place called Lo-Debar, which means “no word, or “no thing.” The name was not a compliment. It literally could have meant no good pasture or nothing good at all was in this town. He was an outcast because of his handicap. He was a man who was in a desperate situation, who was missing the best life had to offer. He was a man in a terrible condition, but he was the son of Jonathan, who was a good friend of David. Jonathan was killed in battle and when David was king, he remembered his friend Jonathan and inquired about any family he might have still living. He found that Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, was still living so he sent his servants to bring him to David.
We Are Like Mephibosheth
He Sought Him- When David heard that Jonathan had a son, he began the process of finding Mephibosheth. David sought him out. Jesus is the lover of our souls and He actively seeks those who are separated from Him by their sins.
He Sought Him- When David heard that Jonathan had a son, he began the process of finding Mephibosheth. David sought him out. Jesus is the lover of our souls and He actively seeks those who are separated from Him by their sins.
He Sent For Him- David sent his servants to fetch Mephibosheth from the place of death, defeat, disgrace and doom. Mephibosheth must have been terrified when the king’s men came for him, thinking the worst. He knew who he was – or who society had labeled him. Unworthy. There was nothing good that the king could want from him. But David had good intentions for Mephibosheth like our King has for us. Even in our sin and unworthiness, He comes for us, offering His kingdom.
When a sinner comes before Jesus, they will find a Friend and not an enemy. They will find One Who cares and not One Who condemns. Mephibosheth was not worthy by the world’s standards but because of his association with Jonathan, the king’s good friend, he got an invitation to the king’s banquet table. You and I are unworthy, and we will never measure up. and He knows, so he sent Jesus Christ to measure up for us, to pay the debt we cannot pay. Because we are associated with Jesus Christ, and He associates with us, we are qualified for an invitation to His table, to become His sons and daughters, and heirs to His kingdom.
And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.” 2 Samuel 9:7
