Reading in the Old Testament recently I noticed something I
hadn’t seen before. In 2 Samuel 9, King David asks, “Is there still anyone left
of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (9:1
ESV). He is introduced to Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth, who is crippled in both
feet. Mephibosheth is invited into the palace and dines at the king’s table for
the rest of his life. In contrast, in the next chapter David sends condolences to
Hanun when his father, the king of the Ammonites, dies. Hanun’s response is to
disgrace the messengers, which leads to a massive battle. If he had received
the messengers graciously, he could have avoided a war.
It seems to me that in both these chapters King David was a
model of God. He extends grace to two different men—one accepts it and becomes
like a member of the family; the other person rejects it and brings
condemnation on himself. Likewise God has extended the offer of forgiveness and
adoption to all, but we can choose whether or not to accept it. “Whoever
believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned
already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God” (John
3:17). “God sent forth His Son… so that we might receive adoption as sons”
(Galatians 4:4-5).
Mephibosheth is one
of my favorite characters in the Old Testament. He knew he had nothing to offer
the king. He could barely even get around. He was simply grateful to be honored
by David. After a misunderstanding when David temporarily fled the palace and
Mephibosheth got left behind, Mephibosheth turns down an offer of land, because
all he cares about is that his king has come home (2 Sam. 19:24-30). All he
wants is to dwell with the king who brought him into his family.
I think we could all learn from Mephibosheth. It’s tempting
to desire the blessings more than we desire God. We feel entitled to certain
benefits, and when suffering comes we join Job in trying to argue our case
before God (Job 13:3 et al). We aren’t content to eat at the King’s table and
enjoy being part of His family. God gives us Himself and we want more! (Check
out Natalie Grant’s song “More Than Anything.”) We may be poor witnesses for the Gospel if we seek the gifts
more than the Giver. “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love
with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive
together with Christ” (Ephesians 2:4-5). It is His mercy that matters, not our
blessings.
If Christianity were inextricably linked to health, wealth,
and other visible blessings, we wouldn’t have any trouble convincing people to
join up. But what God offers us is reconciliation with Him and adoption into
His family for eternity. That may not sound too appealing to many people. Who
needs that when they can have all that they want without having to read the
Bible or obey God?
May we learn the contentment of having peace with God. In
that way our lives can reflect the glory of the God who saved us in our sin and
weakness.
“Do all things without
grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of
God, without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among
whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life”
(Philippians 2:14-16a).
© 2018 Dawn
Rutan. Unless otherwise indicated all images are copyright free from
pixabay.com. The opinions stated do not necessarily reflect the views of
my church or employer.
