2 Samuel 9. Rank it among my top chapters in the bible. Mark it as a favorite story of favor shown.
Wanna talk to me about types and foreshadows? David, a type of Christ the king, seeking someone to show the kindness of God to for the sake of a promise made to another (1Sam. 23:18, 24:20-22; 2Sam. 9:1, 3, 7). Mephibosheth, a cripple with a heritage that was by nature in competition for the king’s throne, helpless to stand on his own; a foreshadow of all who have known the King’s favor though they themselves were marked as weak, sinners, and enemies (Rom. 5:6, 8, 10).
And what I’m chewing on this morning is that, despite Mephibosheth’s continuing infirmities, frailties, and sinful propensities, he ate always at the king’s table.
So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, like one of the king’s sons. . . . So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king’s table. Now he was lame in both his feet.
(2Samuel 9:11b, 13 ESV)
Where did he eat? At the king’s table. How often? Always. In what condition? Lame in both his feet. And remind me again, where did this lame guy eat and how often? He ate always at the king’s table. Hmm . . .
Let’s look up the original meaning for that word translated always. Does it really mean what it seems to mean? Continually. Indefinitely. Perpetually. Sounds like always to me.
Even when he took the king’s table for granted? I’m thinking. Even when he arrived less than presentable? Sounds that way. Even when he despised his own weakness and the uselessness of his crippled feet? Yup, I’m guessing even then — especially then — his place was still set. What about when he just plain and simply blew it, when his actions that day were despicable and/or his attitude that week was just plainly horrible?
He ate always at the king’s table . . . and always really means always.
After all, he wasn’t there because he deserved it. He wasn’t there because earned it. He was there because of kindness shown for the sake of another.
Me too.
Lame in my feet, crippled in my conduct, unable to stand on my own before a thrice holy God (Isa. 6:3, Rev. 4:8), I have been raised up and seated in heavenly places (Eph. 2:6). At a table I can only imagine. What’s more, I am welcomed — and more than welcomed, exhorted — to confidently approach a throne which I have no right, apart from Christ, to approach (Eph. 2:18, 3:12, Heb. 4:16).
And how often can I take my seat at this heavenly table? What are the hours when this glorious throne is open for me to access? Continually. Indefinitely. Perpetually. Always.
To sinners who are essentially lame in both feet, He is the Savior who shows the unfathomable, limitless, kindness of God for the sake of a promise made to another (Gen. 17:3-8, Gal. 3:7-9).
Cue Casting Crowns . . . Not because of who I am, but because of what He’s done. Not because of what I’ve done, but because of who He is.
Always at the table.
And always means always. Amen?
By His grace. For His glory.