The Biblical Remix – Thankful

2 Samuel 9 – http://bit.ly/biblicalremixthankful

My dude Mephibosheth, aka Meph, had a hard life.  Even though his granddad was the king, by the age of five the whole kingdom fell apart.  His granddad and his pops were murdered.  In fear, Meph’s babysitter started running away and dropped the five year old Meph.  From the fall both his legs became crippled.  And he would stay that way the rest of his life.

Fast forward years later a new king named David ruled.  David and Meph’s father, Jonathan, were boys from back in the day.  David and Jonathan made a pact that if anything happened to one of them, the other would take care of his family.

When King David learns of Meph’s existence, he sends for him to come to the king’s house.  Then David hooks up Meph with all the property and workers that used to belong to his granddad.  Meph is also given an apartment at the king’s house and is commanded to always eat at the king’s table like one of the king’s own sons.  Meph done hit the lottery.

In the background this Alicia Myers song played:

“I want to thank you Heavenly Father, for shining your light on me…”

Reflection:

I was intentional about using this song to start off this new year.  I have been sharing these Biblical Remixes for a year and a half now and am deeply moved at your encouraging comments, poignant responses, and interesting conversations both online and in the real world.  Indeed I am very, very thankful.

The story of Mephibosheth is quite amazing.  When we meet Meph in the above passage, he is a grown man being brought to the table of the king.  King David wants to honor him because of the oath he and Meph’s father made many years ago.  I am amazed at Meph’s response in verse eight: “Who am I that you pay attention to a dead dog like me?”

A couple of weeks ago this response came alive for me.  I am Mephibosheth. Time and time again God brings me to the table of a “king”.  In my various roles, I am regularly invited to the table of lawyers, the table of photographers, the table of pastors, the table of social workers, and the table of leaders.  And yet I feel and believe in my mind “Who am I that I deserve to be at this table?  I am a dead dog.  I am not qualified or worthy to be at the table.”  Amazingly enough God continues to put me at the table and shows Himself off through my lack of credentials.

I share this with you because this is a process I am walking through with God’s assistance.  Perhaps you can relate.  Or perhaps you know someone who is walking a similar journey through the halls of shame.  At the end of the day our worth comes from the One who created us and the One who gave His life for us.

The next time you get invited to the table, don’t back off because you are not qualified or don’t “feel” worthy.  Embrace the love of the all consuming God who wants to show you your worth and also show the world He can accomplish anything through a willing vessel.  You belong at the table because the King decreed it.  Holla!

The end result for Meph was the exact meaning of his name.  Mephibosheth means “dispeller of shame”.  God drove away the shame in various directions by restoring the mind of the dead dog to the eternal seat at the kings table.  Meph was now just like one of the king’s own sons.

Be encouraged.