RTW 2023

One day David asked, “Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive—anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” He summoned a man named Ziba, who had been one of Saul’s servants. “Are you Ziba?” the king asked. “Yes sir, I am,” Ziba replied. The king then asked him, “Is anyone still alive from Saul’s family? If so, I want to show God’s kindness to them.” Ziba replied, “Yes, one of Jonathan’s sons is still alive. He is crippled in both feet.” “Where is he?” the king asked. “In Lo-debar,” Ziba told him, “at the home of Makir son of Ammiel.” So David sent for him and brought him from Makir’s home. His name was Mephibosheth; he was Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson.

2 Samuel 9:1-6a

Saul’s son Jonathan had a son named Mephibosheth, who was crippled as a child. He was five years old when the report came from Jezreel that Saul and Jonathan had been killed in battle. When the child’s nurse heard the news, she picked him up and fled. But as she hurried away, she dropped him, and he became crippled.

2 Samuel 4:4

• Mephibosheth is a man with a disability.
• He is the son of Jonathan, and grandson of Saul.
• This is the high point in the story of King David.
• 2 Samuel 4 records how Mephibosheth became disabled.
• 2 Samuel 5 records the capture of Jerusalem by King David.
• “The blind and lame will not get into the palace.”
• 2 Samuel 9 records David bringing Mephibosheth into the palace to sit at the table of the king.
• Mephibosheth became known by his name, not his disability.
• 2 Samuel 16, 19, and 21 also call Mephibosheth by name.
• King David was an example to his kingdom.
• Mephibosheth found belonging at the table of the king.
• Carried to the Table by Leeland (Father’s House Worship cover)

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Do I look at others the way that God sees them? Do I recognize people by their name or how they are different? Do I remember that God sees and God knows, or am I always struggling for control and acting like He doesn’t?