Mephibosheth is not only a fun Old Testament name to pronounce but also an unassuming man who teaches us invaluable lessons. This grandson of the first king of Israel, rebellious Saul, became permanently lame in both feet as a child during a terrifying time when his nurse fled with him trying to protect his life (II Samuel 4:4). After his grandfather died, Mephibosheth was shown incredible and unexpected mercy and kindness by the new godly king of Israel. Gracious King David invited Saul’s grandson into his home to join him continually at his table (II Samuel 8:15-9:13). However, later, Mephibosheth’s reciprocal undying loyalty to King David was then repaid with lies from a servant followed by loss inflicted by the king (II Samuel 16:1-4). How did Mephibosheth respond? He was grateful anyway (II Samuel 19:24-30).

Family, friends, caregivers, rulers, bosses, co-workers, and total strangers will significantly impact our life for good and bad. How grateful are we in response?

But Mephibosheth’s life speaks of more than how to respond rightly to hard circumstances. Whether we realize it or not, according to God’s Word, we like Mephibosheth were all born into the evil ruling family of this earth and consequently deserve death (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Our father the Devil and his whole family will be wiped out at a future date (John 8:42-45; Revelation 20:10-15).

But praise God the perfect great great great great (etc) grandson of King David took upon Himself our rebellion and evil and died on the cross in our place in order to make us holy so that we could sit at the table of the King of Kings for all eternity (John 3:16; Luke 13:29; Luke 22:29-30; Isaiah 25:6-9); .

Out of absolute mercy and love, Mephibosheth was brought to the table of King David. Out of absolute mercy and love, true believers are brought to the table of the King of Kings.

No matter how hard or unjust the circumstances of this temporal life, if we can keep perspective that we truly deserve eternal death, we, like Mephibosheth, will always have a reason to be grateful. Every breath we take, God is indeed showing us mercy. One day the lies and loss will cease and only pure joy and gladness will be experienced.

One more interesting observation worth considering as we ponder who God has used in our life to draw us to Himself is to look at Ziba. The servant who connected Mephibosheth to King David is the same servant who later lied to King David about Mephibosheth causing him loss. Having a “Ziba” in our life can be painful and confusing. Let us firmly fix our hope on God and not the various imperfect people He sovereignly uses. How gracious to be offered a seat at the eternal table of the King of Kings! God in His infinite wisdom sometimes uses a “Ziba” to get us to that seat.

Have you accepted the King of King’s invitation to join Him at His bountiful table for all glorious eternity? Will you repent and believe on Him today? He loves you. He is not willing that any should perish. Will you, like Mephibosheth, say yes to a most gracious invitation?