The Weekly Word: Welcome to the King’s Table

By Pastor Paul & Dixie Phillips, Gospel Lighthouse Church, Floyd

The Old Testament has hidden types and shadows of the heart of Jesus. One great example is the story of King David and Mephibosheth. King David’s kingdom was a type and shadow of the spiritual kingdom of God.

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 NLT

King Saul had a crippled grandson named Mephibosheth. He was Jonathan’s son. Jonathan and David were best friends growing up. David was very sad when King Saul and Jonathan died. One day after David became king, he was reminiscing about the special friendship he shared with Jonathan and asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”

— 2 Samuel 9:1 NIV

A loyal servant spoke up and told King David about Mephibosheth. Kings usually eliminate any former king’s bloodline. King David had other plans for Mephibosheth. He invited him to come to the palace. A frightened Mephibosheth arrived and King David did his best to welcome him.

“Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”
Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?”

— 2 Samuel 9:7-8 NIV

Many of us are like Mephibosheth – crippled in some way. Someone who should have taken care of us has disappointed us.

Maybe we have had a painful childhood, riddled with abuse and neglect. Possibly the adults in our lives “dropped” the ball when they raised us. We might feel “crippled” by our upbringing, wishing we had been given the opportunities that others have had.

Painful experiences like these can cause us to “limp” through life. These negative circumstances can make our heart bitter and hard, but because of the grace and kindness of a humble King named Jesus, broken hearts can beat again with hope.

He is quick to let us know that sad beginnings can have happy endings. He never leaves us stranded in the dark. He is our King and He requests our presence at His table. It’s true. He invites beggars to banquets and cripples to dance.

If you feel “crippled” by your circumstances, lift up your head. The King’s invitation has arrived. You might ask, “Where is my invitation?” If you look, you will find it nailed to a tree – the cross of Jesus. The Bible teaches that whosoever will may come. “Whosoever” means you. For the rest of your life and for all eternity, you are a special guest at King Jesus’ table.

And Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table.

— 2 Samuel 9:13 NIV

The Angel said to me, “Write this: ‘Blessed are those invited to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.’”

— Revelation 19:9 MSG

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Pastor Paul and Dixie Phillips have been honored to serve the Gospel Lighthouse Church, 205 Madison Street, in Floyd, Iowa, since 1981. To find out more about the church and ministry go to www.floydslighthouse.com