David became King when Saul and his heir, Jonathan, were killed in battle. In David’s day, exterminating the old king’s whole family became the first order of business. That way none of the King’s family would attempt to reclaim the throne.
But, David was no ordinary king. David replaced King Saul, who tried to kill David. When Saul and Jonathan were both killed in battle, the heir to the throne became Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled and lame son. (2 Samuel 9)
Another king might have sought out the crippled heir and killed him. But David was determined to honor his covenant with his friend Jonathan. (1 Samuel 20) David’s servants brought Mephebosheth to David’s house. The sole survivor of Saul’s household probably expected the worst. Or, at best, to become a busboy or a pot scrubber in the royal kitchen.
Instead, David returned all King Saul’s land and possessions to this lame and crippled heir.
But David wasn’t through. David would call Mephebosheth a son. David declared that Mephebosheth would sit at a place of honor at the king’s table for every meal the rest of his life.
Doesn’t our story sound like Mephebosheth’s?
All of us have become like one who is unclean,
and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind
our sins sweep us away. Isaiah 64:6 NIV
Our sins have rendered us pitiful, lame, crippled, filthy scum, worthy only of death. Then, by God’s amazing grace He seeks us out. He brings us to His house. He calls us sons. Then He lavishes on us treasures and blessings we never expected, and certainly don’t deserve.
And we will feast on His provision and love forever.
It’s the perfect picture of grace.
For Mephebosheth and for us.