By: Pastor Corbett Casteen

Have you ever found yourself at a table where you felt like you didn’t belong? Maybe the room was too formal, the people too important, or your background too different. In 2 Samuel 9, we meet a man who experienced exactly that, but in the most beautiful, redemptive way. His name was Mephibosheth, and his story gives us a powerful picture of what it means to be invited by the King.

1. Uncommon Kindness

King David had every cultural and political reason to ignore, or even eliminate, the descendants of Saul, his predecessor, who had tried to kill him. But instead, David asked:

“Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1)

David chose to honor a covenant he made with Jonathan, his dear friend. He extended hesed, the Hebrew word for God’s steadfast, covenant love. It was kindness not based on merit, but on promise.

That’s the kind of kindness God extends to us. While the world says cut ties, God says keep covenant. When we experience the kindness of God, it changes how we treat others. And when we understand how unearned His grace really is, we can’t help but want to share it.

2. Unlikely Individual

The man David found was Mephibosheth, the crippled son of Jonathan. He lived in a place called Lo-debar, which means “no pasture” or “no word.” Talk about an unlikely guest at the royal table! He was the grandson of a fallen king, disabled from a tragic fall as a child, and living in obscurity. He even referred to himself as a “dead dog.”

But David didn’t see a rival. He saw a son.

God does the same with us. We may feel disqualified, ashamed, or stuck in a spiritual Lo-debar, but God still calls us by name. In the gospel, we see that we are Mephibosheth. We are broken. We are undeserving. And yet, because of Jesus, we are invited anyway.

3. Undeniable Invitation

David didn’t just throw Mephibosheth a one-time meal. He restored his land, provided for his needs, and gave him a permanent seat at the table:

“Mephibosheth shall always eat at my table like one of the king’s sons.” (2 Samuel 9:11)

This is the gospel.

Jesus, the King of Kings, invites us not just to salvation, but to relationship. Every single day, He sets a table of grace, provision, and presence. Not because we earned it. But because of who He is, and because of what Jesus has done. And here’s the best part: there’s still room at the table.

You may feel like an outsider. You may think your story disqualifies you. But Jesus has already prepared your seat. If you’ve never accepted the King’s invitation, today is your day. He is ready to welcome you as a son or daughter. And if you already know Him, let this be your reminder to dwell daily in His presence and extend His kindness to others.

Ready to take your next step?

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There is a seat at the table with your name on it.