Over the past week, I have been reflecting on the song "Carried to the Table." A group named Leeland sings it, and our new worship leader, Joni, used it to minister during the altar call at church. The song is based on the life of Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, and King Saul's grandson.

The lyrics speak of God's grace. Redemption. Mercy.

Wounded and forsaken
I was shattered by the fall
Broken and forgotten
Feeling lost and all alone
Summoned by the King
Into the Master's courts
Lifted by the Savior
And cradled in His arms

I was carried to the table
Seated where I don't belong
Carried to the table
Swept away by His love
And I don't see my brokenness anymore
When I'm seated at the table of the Lord
I'm carried to the table
The table of the Lord

Fighting thoughts of fear
And wondering why He called my name
Am I good enough to share this cup
This world has left me lame
Even in my weakness
The Savior called my name
In His Holy presence
I'm healed and unashamed

You carried me, my God
You carried me.


If you aren't familiar with the story of Jonathan and King David, here's a brief synopsis:

[Saul is the 1st king of Israel. He has a son named Jonathan. Instead of Jonathan becoming the next king- as the line of nepotism/succession would dictate- David is anointed to be the next king of Israel.

Now one would think that David and Jonathan would become instant rivals, but they don't. David and Jonathan become best friends. As a matter of fact, in 1 Samuel 18:3- Jonathan makes a covenant with David because he loved him as much as his own soul!

As the story goes on, we learn that Saul and Jonathan are both killed in battle and Jonathan leaves behind a 5-year old lame (i'm not being unkind, he really was) son named Mephibosheth. We'll call him Meph. As Meph's nurse is trying to carry him to safety, she drops him and he becomes completely crippled in his feet! (2 Samuel 4).

Well, Meph grows up and has the help of a servant named Ziba. The two get along fabulously, but are surviving on the outskirts of town. One day, King David remembers his dearly departed friend Jonathan and tries to locate some of his descendants.

Meph, Jonathan's son, is found and carried to the king's table (thus the lyrics of my new favorite song)- where he is invited to eat next to the king's kids forevermore. (2 Samuel 9). ] end of un-brief synopsis

This paints quite the picture of undeserved, unreserved mercy- and how even in our broken state, God picks us up and seats us together with Him in the heavenly places.

While all of that is absolutely great, it's not where we're going with this blog this Christmas! If you keep reading the story, you will find that years later, King David is being exiled by Absalom and is forced to take leave from his kingdom.

On the way, David meets up with Meph's servant Ziba who comes bearing figs and other fine gifts. David, of course, asks him "Where is Meph?!" That is- "Thanks for these wonderful presents, but I'm being cast out of my castle, and I was kind of wondering where the dude is that I've been taking care of for the past 10 years?!"

Ziba responds that Meph is not coming because he's hoping that he'd get his grandpa Saul's kingdom back in David's absence. What?!! How could this crippled guy who was the recipient of limitless grace slap David in the face? In haste and anger, David gives all of Meph's land to Ziba. (2 Sam 16).

This was quite the hasty decision by King David, and because his life is in danger, I don't think he took the time to evaluate just what he was doing.

Well, as you know, David is soon able to return to his throne. Meph comes out unshaven and dirty to welcome him back. When David sees him, he wants to know why Meph abandoned him in his time of need.

This is where the story gets even more interesting!

Meph says "Ziba refused to saddle my donkey (remember, he is physically challenged) so I couldn't leave town to help you."

Oh snap. Now it looks like Ziba set this whole thing up to steal Meph's land and place of favor with the King. Right? I mean, a nice guy like Meph, who was lifted up from the gutter and placed in the royal palace- despite his disability or inadequacy would never betray the King's loyalty and kindness.

Seems cut and dry. Now we understand that the servant was practicing cunning craftiness. Whatever that is. But not so fast.

King David doesn't know WHO to believe! It's Ziba's word vs. Meph's word.
Astonishingly, David doesn't ask more questions to determine who is telling the truth, or call in the townspeople to give their account of the story. It actually appears that David doesn't even care who is lying.

He just performs what I call the integrity test.

He tells them "Ok. You both divide the land in half." (Note his son Solomon using the same method with the woman who kidnapped a baby in 1 Kings 3).

Meph quickly responds and says "No. Give it all to Ziba. I'm just glad that you're home safely."

The Bible ends the story there. No kidding.

But I believe that just sets the stage for the next act.
You see, it became very clear that Mephibosheth had a heart for the King.

He didn't need land.
And he didn't desire food.
He didn't ask for a title.
Or any material thing.

The King had shown love for Him. And in return, Meph essentially says, "You can throw all the gifts away- I just want You."

I think it at that point, it was easy to for David to discern whose heart was pure toward him. But in the fashion of our God- David's love was limitless enough for both men.

His generosity prevailed toward the one who had his heart, and the one whose heart was wickedly selfish.

I'm so glad that I didn't stop with Meph being carried to the table.

The lessons learned by studying his life are threefold:

1. We have all been lifted by God's love.

2. In response, we don't seek things , but the heart of the King.

3. Even when we, or others around us, do the unthinkable- His love is STILL infinite.

So today friend, I invite you to practice mercy.