Remember

When Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, arrived, he bowed down before David in respect. David said, `Mephibosehth,’ and he answered, ‘At your service, sir.’ `Don’t be afraid,’ David replied. ‘I will be kind to you for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will give you back all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always be welcome at my table.’ (verses 6,7)

Read 2 Samuel 9:1-13

An old friend, 78, was ecstatic. She had received a long phone call from a friend she hadn’t seen for fifty years. Imagine her surprise and delight! He had been raking through old photographs, and seeing her face had reminded him of good times and warm friendships from way back then. The phone call was a gift that gave immense joy.

Mephibosheth, remembered by David, must have felt completely overwhelmed. David had not forgotten his love or his promise to Jonathan, and he chose to do something about it. With Jonathan long gone, it would have been easy for David to forget. His reign as king must have given him plenty to do other than remember a crippled son of a now dead friend.

Do you feel a twinge of sadness for those easily forgotten in our busy lives? Those crippled through life’s struggles? Those displaced in society’s alienated groups? We can learn from David. He remembered his promise and acted on it, fulfilling it with loyal love and generosity.

Lord Jesus, I sit at your table of love. You generously welcome and satisfy my every need. Bring to remembrance those you would have me generously serve. Amen.

by Eunice Freiberg in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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