A new, full life is waiting for you

The other day, I read a story in the Bible about a five-year-old boy named Mephibosheth. (2 Samuel 4:4) Born into royalty, the boy had a bright, abundant, blessed future. However, in a raging battle against the Philistines, Mephibosheth’s father Jonathan, and his grandfather King Saul died on the battle field.

Upon hearing the news, Mephibosheth’s nurse became fearful. The nurse thought the Philistines might seek to take the life of the young boy. So the nurse quickly picked up little Mephibosheth into her arms. She began to flee, looking for a safe hiding place for them.

Yet, in her anxious effort and desperation, while she was running, she dropped the boy. Mephibosheth fell to the ground. He was badly injured, and his ankles were crushed.

Through no fault of his own Mephibosheth was dropped. He didn’t do anything wrong. It wasn’t fair. It was not his mistake. But Mephibosheth became crippled, never to walk again. (2 Samuel 9:1-13).

Is there a situation in your life that’s crippling you? Has someone caused you to feel worthless or inadequate? Have you lost your sense of direction and purpose in life? Or, through no fault of your own, have you experienced an unfair circumstance?

You could be in a situation that’s complex or complicated. Maybe in despair, you think, “It’s too late,” or “It is never going to change.” And, in regret, you wonder, “How did I get myself in this mess?”

Like Mephibosheth, you may have been dropped. But hold on. Don’t give up now. It is not the end for you. And it wasn’t the end of the story for Mephibosheth.

Years passed, and Mephibosheth grew up in poverty in a very poor city. He was basically alone, in a desperate situation, and missing out on the best that life had to offer. It appeared as though his dreams for the future were all gone. A gripping fear could have overwhelmed him. And as he pondered upon his misfortune, one speculates if Mephibosheth thought to himself, “Why me?”

Have you ever asked yourself that same question?

Then, one day, out of the blue, King David inquired ‘Is there anyone left alive from the house of Saul.’ Ziba, who was a servant of the house of Saul, said to King David, ‘Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth is still living.’ (2 Samuel 9:1).

So King David told his soldiers to go into the city and find Mephibosheth. They found him and carried him back to the palace. Terrified, and perhaps, not knowing what would happen to him next, Mephibosheth was placed in front of King David.

David comforted, “Don’t be afraid!” Next, David said to Mephibosheth. “I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather, Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!” – (2 Samuel 9:3-7).

King David was gracious to Mephibosheth and made him a part of the royal family. In absolute awe and wonder, Mephibosheth was given a new identity, a new position, and a new freedom.

David restored to him the land of his grandfather, and gave him an open, kind invitation to dine with him at the King’s table, forever changing him and his surroundings.