Many of
us are at least somewhat familiar with the delightful story of David and Jonathan. We enjoy reading of their great friendship. But have you read the rest of the story?
If you go to the first chapter of 2 Samuel, you will share in the tears that David wept over the deaths of both Saul and his son Jonathan. Both men were revered and respected by David, and both men were killed on the same day in a tragic battle with the Philistines. In nine verses we get a glimpse of the tragedy that David witnessed. He loved them both!
We learn in the next chapter that Jonathan left behind a young son. Mephibosheth was only five years old when Jonathan was killed. Mephibosheth’s problems began the moment word arrived that Jonathan was dead. In fear that his life might also be in danger, a palace maid picked up Mephibosheth and ran from the place. But the youngster was more than she could handle, and she dropped him as she ran. He landed on both of his legs, causing him to become crippled in both feet. Mephibosheth was destined to live the rest of his life fatherless and severely handicapped.
But there was an unwritten pact David and Jonathan had made years earlier. Jonathan begged of his friend, “Do not ever cut off your kindness from my family” (1 Samuel 20:15).
So it was obvious that David would eventually ask, “Is there no one still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?” (2 Samuel 9:3).
Mephibosheth was called to the palace of the newly crowned King David where, out of kindness, David handed him the keys to Saul’s estate.
Mephibosheth was honored and spent his time as David’s most dedicated supporter. As a sign of his allegiance, Mephibosheth went unshaven and unclean while David was away fighting battles. Mephibosheth respected and loved his father’s best friend so much that he said David was like “an angel of God” (19:27).
We live at a time when loyalty has taken a backseat to a “do your own thing” kind of mentality. Getting ahead at any expense, regardless of who might be trampled along the way, sometimes seems to be the game of the day. Such was not the case with Mephibosheth and David. They both can teach us a lesson in showing faithfulness to those around us.
Mephibosheth had a difficult life. He lost his father and his grandfather on the same day. He lived his life with a crippling handicap. He was slandered by David’s appointees and persecuted by others. Yet his quiet and unassuming loyalty and respect shone through the dark pages of Scripture. Mephibosheth asked for nothing. He climbed no ladders. He never beat on his own chest. He never coveted the throne (which would have been his according to kingly succession). Rather, he remained humble and submissive to his king. Jonathan taught him well, and now he can teach us a lesson in humility and submissiveness. For a man who lived most of his life without the use of legs, Mephibosheth truly stands tall. We would do well to fill this man’s shoes and to walk in his footsteps! We too can recognize that the King of kings will one day offer us a glorious inheritance even greater than Mephibosheth’s.
Choose Thou for me my friends,
My sickness or my health.
Choose Thou my cares for me;
My poverty or wealth.
(from “Thy Way, Not Mine, O Lord”)