There are some amazing lessons about grace in the Bible. I don’t think I ever really knew what the definition of grace was. The dictionary said it was “A favor rendered by one who need not do so; indulgence, mercy; clemency.” But I came across one of the best examples of grace in the entire Bible the other day. His name was Mephibosheth. He was the grandson of King Saul and Jonathan’s son. Also to note is the fact that he was lame in his legs.
“Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in both feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she hurried to leave, he fell and became crippled.” 2 Samuel 4:4
It seemed that one day long after Saul and Jonathan were dead, David had an interesting idea. He wondered if there were any living descendents of Jonathan. He had loved Jonathan more than anyone else in his life. For the sake of their bond, he was willing to show grace to any of Jonathan’s living descendents. Someone let him know about Mephibosheth, and David sent for him.
“When he came to David, he bowed low in great fear and said, "I am your servant." But David said, "Don't be afraid! I've asked you to come so that I can be kind to you because of my vow to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the land that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you may live here with me at the palace!" Mephibosheth fell to the ground before the king. "Should the king show such kindness to a dead dog like me?" he exclaimed. Then the king summoned Saul's servant Ziba and said, "I have given your master's grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. You and your sons and servants are to farm the land for him to produce food for his family. But Mephibosheth will live here at the palace with me." 2 Samuel 9: 6-9
Mephibosheth lived like a king from that day forward because of the love that David had for his father Jonathan. There was absolutely NOTHING that he did to deserve it. It was free. He went from one deserving of death to one living an abundant life. Why? Grace!
Aren’t we “dead dogs” like Mephibosheth? Is there any good work we have done to deserve the grace and mercy that God has bestowed upon us? Absolutely not! But because of his love for Jesus, we are the recipients of free life. We were lame in our sins, and now we have the promise to live like kings. We get future, power, hope, life, love, health, prosperity, strength, and unlimited access to the Almighty because of his love. It’s a free gift through Jesus Christ.
Isn’t NOW a good time to thank God for this free gift?
EXcellent and fitting connection here. thanks for drawing it out !
ReplyDeleteit's helpfully informative to think about what we are given and what God did in terms of the David/Jonathan//Father/Jesus parallel. it takes away any potential to focus unjustifiably on self.
John Piper says something that i LOVE and that the Christian "culture" doesn't hear too much at this time-- "God loves himself more than he loves you". And that's good and appropriate! As well as the idea that God's ultimate goal is His glory, and us joyfully delighting in Him.
God *does* love us!! But let us not forget our place, and--more importantly--His...