“Now David said, “Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”… Now when Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, had come to David, he fell on his face and prostrated himself. Then David said, “Mephibosheth?” And he answered, “Here is your servant!” So David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.” … So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king’s table. And he was lame in both his feet.”
II Samuel 9:1, 6-7, 13 NKJV
Mephibosheth was 5 years old when his nurse fled with him, hoping to save his life. However, as she fled, she dropped him and he became lame in both feet. He was then hidden among Saul’s servants and raised among his sons. Mephibosheth – the bloodline of royalty, made lame by circumstances beyond his control, raised as a servants son. (2 Samuel 4)
It’s not clear how old Mephibosheth was when he was finally restored and given a place at King David’s table. However it is safe to assume a time period of 15-20 years passed since Mephibosheth had a son of his own when he came before David.
What’s not mentioned in the Bible that I can find is what happened in the hidden years. Surely Mephibosheth knew of his heritage. He lost his family and his inheritance. He likely dealt with the pain and inconvenience of a physical disability. I wonder if he felt hopeless or if he knew about the covenant his father Jonathan had with David.
Whatever those years held, it wasn’t something of significance to be recorded in the Holy text. What was significant enough to be documented was the fact that he WAS restored.
That, to me, is the hope of Mephibosheth – restoration.
As I was reading today I was reminded of a word of encouragement we were given when we left Shady Grove in 2003 to move to Tyler. As we stood in the back, Pastor Jim put his arms around us and said with great conviction and confidence: the glory of the latter days will be far greater than the glory of the former days – so much in fact that you’ll forget the pain of the former days.
Mephibosheth was hidden for many years, years likely filled with everything from frustration, confusion, sadness, and pain to comfort, joy, and peace. His experience is one common to mankind. But his years of loss, barrenness, pain, and hiddenness were wiped away by one single act of kindness and mercy.
I did wonder why it took David so long to inquire about Jonathan’s family and decedents. Then it hit me – David wasn’t ready before that moment.
In Mephibosheth’s years of waiting, David was battling many armies, positioning and establishing his kingdom, and preparing a place for the presence of G-d to dwell. Only then did he call for Jonathan’s son and fulfill his covenant word.
Could it be that our waiting seasons – those times of hiddenness – seem delayed to us because the place He has prepared for us for the next season isn’t ready?
The waiting could be to season and prepare our hearts.
The waiting could be to season and prepare the place.
Either way, when we least expect it, G-d, in a single act of mercy and kindness rescues and restores us. The hiddenness, though painful, prepares and positions us for what’s to come. May we hold onto the hope of Mephibosheth – restoration is our portion in His perfect time.
Father – thank You for Your love and Your promise. Thank You for how You’ve restored me more abundant than I could ever imagine. You’re so kind to me. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 8-9, 1 Chronicles 18