From Not Having It To The Palace!

“David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” -2 Samuel 9:1

Tonight, God brought this story to my mind.

It’s actually one of my favorite stories. King Saul and his son, Jonathan, died in Battle. David was going to be crowned king. This meant anyone related to the crown would be put to death. In a quick haste, the nurse of Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, took the little boy and ran to save his life, but she dropped him, and he became crippled. No one knew he was alive.

Mephibosheth was hiding in Lo Debar. Let’s talk about this place. This place wasn’t beautiful Paris. It was a place of forgotten people. In fact, the name of this town means, “Not having.” Mephibosheth lived there.

Imagine this man who was royalty, and had been born in the house of King Saul. Jonathan was his father. If anyone needed to live in the palace, it should have been him. He had lots to complain about if he chose too and had every right to hate, despise, and complain. He was a real prince that belonged in the palace. However, that’s not what happened. Instead he lived in Lo Debar “Not having” what should have been his.

I’m very sure he thought he would die in that place. Just watching and hearing from afar the wonderful things going on at the palace. The palace held the best of foods, drinks, entertainment, and everything else fit for a king. He resigned to his fate... But God had another plan. The day came King David asked that question. “Isn’t anyone left in the house of Saul, I can show favor to for Jonathan sake.” Now, let’s stop here.

Why did he say Jonathan and not Saul? Jonathan had been a great friend to him. Jonathan should have been the next king, but he recognized the anointing of David. David was his best friend. King Solomon tried to kill David, but Jonathan saved his life. In letting David live was a death sentence for him. Yet, Jonathan's friendship to David was strong. I bet on this particular day, King David remembered the good Jonathan did for him. I am certain God wanted to bless Mephibosheth.

Why do I mention this? Simply because God honors from generations to generations when we do what is right.

David sends someone immediately to bring Mephibosheth to him.

Can you imagine when the king’s men arrived how scared that man must have been? He thought the worst, “King David is going to have me killed. I’m a dead man, how did they find me here. Don’t they know I got nothing?”

He came before the king and bowed before him in reverence to him with no attitude, no hate, no nothing. King David told him to stand up. To his dismay, the king is offering him a new place to live.

Mephibosheth response is amazing. “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?” In other words, “I have nothing! I come from nothing. “Don’t you know I live in Lo Debar?”

Do you just see what happened here? In a split second he went from “Not Having” to having everything he could possibly imagine, want, or need - new home, new land, servants, royal robes, jewelry, and the best part he was given a seat at the king’s table to eat for the rest of his life. Wow, wow, and wow!

I have heard preaching on how he approached the king’s table making clonking noise every time he approached the breakfast, lunch, and dinner table. That could be true, I don’t know. However, I don’t believe that happened. I believe he was carried to that table. I believe he sat on a chair, and the servants picked him up on their shoulders, and brought him to that table in style. I might not be able to prove this, but think about it? He was a crippled man. Both his feet. King David honored Mephibosheth in every possible way. I don’t believe he watched him struggle trying to get to his table, but that isn’t my point tonight.

My point is you might live in Lo Debar, A place you didn’t bring yourself there, not of your making. Someone else’s fault. You might be a victim of injustice. Or maybe it’s your fault, you made a mistake. Whatever the case might be. Now you are there.

Mephibosheth attitude was extraordinary. He was a humble, respectful, and appreciative man. I know this by how he humbled himself before the very man, King David, who held his position. After all, David was not born a royal. Mephibosheth on the other hand was, and that was his palace. He had the birth right.

Listen, it’s all about our attitude. I am a strong believer in doing what is right before all. God sees the heart intent. I am certain this man’s heart was in the right place, and by the life he lived at the palace, I know I am right. He wasn’t a problem or a threat to King David's throne ever.

Please don’t settle in Lo Debar! Remember God sees you there. The day is coming for your plenty. Believe God no matter the circumstances. God knows where you are, and if a mere king could call to his mind about honoring someone, imagine The King of kings who remembers how you got there and what He is able to do for you.

Dr. Teresa Allissa Citro

INSIGHT: The Lord is mindful of you. He knows everything about you -your goings and comings, when you sleep and when you rise. The God Who Watches Over You never slumbers nor sleeps. You can never escape from His presence because He is everywhere. He crowns you, His Child, with glory and honor (Psalm 8:3-5), and as you walk in obedience to Him, no matter what the situation, you will be blessed. The blessings and rewards He has for you are worth waiting for even through the trials and the struggles you may be facing right now. God always makes a way.

MEDITATE: "For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland." (Isaiah 43:19) The Lord is your Way of Escape, and He is the One who makes a way for you. His deliverance is always timely, and He will not give you more than you can bear. Have you not seen and have you not heard the Lord is the Everlasting God, Creator of the Heavens and Earth, and if He can create the Heavens and the Earth, can He not provide a way of escape for you? Do you not know your God never slumbers or sleeps and that He keeps watch over you? Do you know your God is the One Who makes a way for you? His promise is He will never leave you nor forsake you, and He is the One Who Goes before you. He is your Way of Escape.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You make ALL things new. You are the One Who Restores. You are the One Who Redeems, and You, O Lord, are my Salvation. I will drink joyously from the Well of Salvation as I wait upon you for my deliverance. You are faithful and have never let me down. Thank You for Your unfailing love and patience with me. I will remain steadfast before You and continue to do what You tell me for You are worthy of my very best. Thank You for Your goodness towards me and for Your continued work in my life. Father, I know You will lead me out of the wilderness I am in right now. Thank You for being my Way Maker. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Linda A. Knowles

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