Dead men have no right to be anywhere near the King or His table, but isn’t it amazing how that’s exactly where they end up? I have always been intrigued by King David and two of his relationships. The first is his relationship with God. The second is his relationship with Jonathan, King Saul’s son.

If you remember the history of Jonathan and King David (before he was King) Jonathan saved David’s life when King Saul sought to end it. Jonathan knew his father was acting unjustly towards David and he would not allow it. When Jonathan was killed in war, David sought out a family member to be kind to.

That is where this lesson starts for me. Mephibosheth was the only living member of Jonathan’s lineage and David brought him to eat at his table. 2 Samuel 9:1 And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan’s sake? 2 Samuel 9:10b, but Mephibosheth thy master’s son shall eat bread alway at my table.

As it seems to be with King David’s rule, there was no peace for him and soon, David’s own son Absalom rose against him to take the kingdom. David and his people fled, but Mephibosheth did not go with them. It is explained in 2 Samuel 19:26 which basically tells us, Mephibosheth’s servant lied to him and left him, instead of saddling an ass that he could go with David. Reminder: Mephibosheth was lame in his feet. He could not walk, so there was no way he could saddle his own ass. Also there was no texting, cell phones or even landlines for Mephibosheth to get a message to David.

If any part of the above bored you or made you go, Yeah, I know. This is where it turns to the personal lesson God taught me this morning and refers back to our title.

In 2 Samuel 19:24-30 this is when King David has returned, after Absalom was slain. Verse 25 Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth? At this point, you need to realize Jonathan’s son or not, King David could execute him and after all the betrayal he has dealt with in his life, why shouldn’t he kill the only remaining part of Saul’s line?

Mephibosheth tells David about his deceitful servant that left him behind, but then says this in verses 27-28. And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes. For all my father’s house were but dead men before my lord the the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king?

Wow. If that doesn’t move you, then I need to explain why I literally began crying. No not because of this conversation between two men, but because of how much it mirrors the salvation that Jesus God’s own son bought for me. I see myself as Mephibosheth, lame, with nothing to offer, bowed before God. I am a dead woman before God. Or at least I was before I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I had no place at the King’s table. There was nothing I could do to earn that place or ever expect a place God’s table. Then Jesus died for me and a place was opened up.

How many times have you found yourself deceived by your own actions, your own behavior, by your sin? How many times have you had to go back to the throne and kneel before God asking His forgiveness and repenting from said actions, behavior, sins?

Reading 2 Samuel 19:29 And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of the matter? That is King David’s response to Mephibosheth. Imagine this situation with you kneeling before God and His words are, Why speakest thou any more of the matter? That is exactly what happens when we confess and repent before God because we are covered by the blood of Jesus!!! Doesn’t it just move you, that God is just glad to see you again? That He is glad to have you acknowledging His grace, His mercy, His love and His forgiveness.

It is true Dead men have no place at the King’s table and they never will. Unless they acknowledge that they are dead in their sins and turn from them accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. I am no longer a dead woman because Jesus’ blood cleansed me and brought me to new life.

I usually try to get right to the point with my shared life lessons, but God’s word is truly the most important part of any lesson. The fact scripture comes to life and has amazing results in our life through faith cannot be bypassed. Read through the scriptures I’ve posted, via King James Version.

I want people to learn from scripture themselves, but I also want to be held accountable for any missteps I’ve made. I pray God uses this personal reminder in my life of any and all who read this. As always may God Bless the reading of HIS Holy Word.

Belinda
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Dead Men At The King’s Table. 2 Samuel 19:24-30