Mephibosheth
For me the greatest King in the Old Testament was David. He wasn’t perfect, but much of what he did reflected the heart of God. One of those situations is found in 2 Samuel 9. David had been made king of Israel and he wanted to honour the descendants of Saul, the first king of Israel. He was told that Saul’s grandson was still alive, Mephibosheth, who was ‘lame in both feet’. David called for him and said...
“‘Don’t be afraid, for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.’ Mephibosheth bowed down and said, ‘What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?’”
As a crippled man, Mephibosheth had a very low opinion of himself, but David saw him differently. David saw him as the son of his good friend Jonathan and the former king’s grandson! David ignored the outward and instead showed great grace and kindness by honouring and blessing him. This gesture of David really moved me as I believe David was reflecting how God sees people. Just think how the world would be if we also looked at people in this way too..?
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader