David was a man after God’s own heart. But am I? David slew giants, was betrayed and hunted even though he had an inheritance, committed grave sins, and was held accountable and suffered grievous consequences. Yet, he followed the Law, worshipped in humility, was vulnerable with his pain, danced in an undignified manner before the Lord, and loved the unlovely. He ran with criminals and invited an outcast to his table.
Do you want state prayer alerts?
Is Mephibosheth welcome at my table?
I want to have the heart of David. I want to have such complete faith that I can slay giants around me. I want to stand strong in the inheritance of the saints and use the kingly authority given me. I want to adore God’s word and to worship with abandon. I want to set the captives free. I want healing for the land around me. Like David, I am tired of war.
But is Mephibosheth really welcome at my table?
Our friends with special needs are welcome at my table, because it’s “not their fault.”
The prodigals of my friends are welcome at my table, because they grew up in the Church.
The divorced (only betrayed by an affair) are welcome at my table.
That wild child in the youth group who finally “got it” is welcome at my table.
ALL are welcome at my table — as long as you know how to act. Please cover up all your tattoos and your scars from cutting/track marks. Take off the nose ring. Groom yourself; take care of your feet, Mephibosheth. You over there, I know Jesus radically saved you, but saying “Hallelujah” and “Praise Jesus” all the time, loudly, is annoying to some with sensitive natures. Single mom, despite the fact that you were parented incorrectly, I expect you to know how to rein in your hyperactive children. Girl, that attire is totally inappropriate — who taught you how to dress? Woman, please do not testify here; that’s not allowed. Young man, your elders will tell you when to speak. Sir, please do not share about your former gay lifestyle.
No.
You, Mephibosheth, are welcome at my table. I want you to have your full share of the inheritance. You have the same rights I have, and I’m supposed to help prepare the feast for you.
Come in, Mephibosheth, the door’s wide open.
This article was inspired by statements from John Arroyo, of Roever Evangelistic Association, during the Dallas AWAKE conference, where he referred to a “Mephibosheth generation — living in the wasteland but having royalty in their bones.” He encourages us to bring Mephibosheths back to the table.
Mephibosheth was Jonathan’s son, Saul’s grandson, and the sole survivor after an Israelite battle against the Philistines. Mephibosheth means “dispeller of shame” in Hebrew. In 2 Samuel 9, we read that Mephibosheth was lame in both feet, and David invited him to eat at his table indefinitely, and restored his inheritance. This act was part of David’s covenant of love for his friend Jonathan.
Are our attitudes pure? Or do we invoke shame upon the broken, the “other”? Are they really welcome?
(Photo Credit: Canva)