Beloved Son.
The story of Mephibosheth reminds Brian of the “Beloved Son” that is Jesus. Jesus demonstrated the Father’s love for us by giving His life.
Beloved Son
Our story today has a main character with a long name. They tell me if I read loud and fast with a lot
of confidence, everyone will think I got it right. So here I go: Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth has
bigger problems than his name. He is lame in both his feet.
Then he is taken to appear before King David – the great enemy of his grandfather, Saul. How did that make him feel? Well, imagine you are back in the classroom – the P.A. cuts into the class and announces that the principal wants to see you in his office. What’s your first thought? “They must have elected me valedictorian.” Or, “I must have won a full scholarship.” No, you are somewhere close to petrified. That is how Mephibosheth felt.
But when he comes before David, the king surprises him by saying,
Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you
(2 Samuel 9:7)
all the land of Saul your [grand] father, and you shall eat at my table always.
David’s Tone
I would like to guess at the tone of David’s voice. Reassuring. Soft. Personal. Notice that he is not
called King David or even the king – just “David”. Where is “Do Not Fear” placed in the story of
Mephibosheth? Right — smack — dab — in the middle. In the heart of the story, David’s heart. In the
heart of God’s story for disabled, fearful, lowly enemies of God, God’s heart: Don’t be afraid.
Why not? Here is just one good reason:
For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
(Romans 8:15)
Beloved
David’s name means “Beloved”. Jesus was named “Beloved” by God the Father’s voice out of
heaven. So here is a “Big Idea” for you. And this can make your day … for thousands of days: You
are beloved by that Beloved Son of David.
In fact, if you are a Christian, you are “accepted in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:6) Are you the adopted child of God the Father? If not, you can become his child today by believing on his Beloved Son, Jesus.
Accepted in the Beloved
For you to be “accepted in the Beloved”, three things must happen.
First, God, who is everything holy, accepts the repentant sinner.
To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which he has made us accepted in the Beloved.
(Ephesians 1:6)
Second, God, who is everything good, becomes sin.
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us.”
(2 Corinthians 5:21a)
Third, we who are sinful can become righteousness.
That we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
(2 Corinthians 5:21b)
Comparing David and Mephibosheth
David accepted Mephibosheth, but he did not become Mephibosheth. He did not disable his feet,
but Jesus was disabled by nails in his hands and feet. David did not leave his throne, but Jesus left His heavenly throne. David did not become poor, but Jesus became poor that we through his poverty might become rich.
Mephibosheth did not become what David was, but we have Christ’s goodness credited to us. He became what he never was – sin – so that we could become what we never were – righteous. All praise to Jesus, God’s Beloved Son.
How have the words, “do not fear” helped you? Contact us at HopeStreamRadio, or comment
Brian Stapley
Brian Stapley is the husband of Margaret and “Christian-proud” father of Tabitha, Ben, Jeremy and Joel. He has been director of the Boys JIM Club of America since 1981 and a “JIM Clubber” since 1958, the year he became a Christian. The mission statement of the JIM Club is, “Discipling boys to love Jesus deeply and express him vividly.”
He has been an educator since 1970, primarily as a high school English Teacher. (Don’t dangle your participles.) He has been in fellowship at Scottlea Gospel Chapel, St. Catharines, since 1976 and travels to preach about three dozen times a year, in Ontario and New York State. He is a ventriloquist, in company with Casey, Theodore, Dodo, Grumpa, and a menagerie of others. Also, a bit of a magician.
More Podcasts Below:
More Blogs
The Parable of the Wicked Tenants
Why Did Jesus Say “I am the Bread of Life.”
Images Courtesy of:
Jesus – CharlVera
Light on Cross – gothepast
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