A Seat at the King’s Table

A Seat at the King’s Table

If you’re hooked on historical dramas like me, you can feel the tension when a conquering army invades the palace—echoing halls, hurried whispers, torches flickering—as the new ruler seizes power.  What follows is grimly predictable: the elimination of every heir to the old king.  Hunting down these rivals fuels an exciting eight-episode season.

Interestingly, when David became king, he did the opposite.  Saul had a grandson, Mephibosheth.  He had been crippled as a child when his nurse fled with him after Saul’s death (2 Samuel 4:4).  (Perfect material for a heart-wrenching episode!)

In any ordinary kingdom, Mephibosheth would be considered a threat.  But David sought him out.  Not to destroy him, but to show him God’s kindness (2 Samuel 9:3).  He restored the land he would have inherited, provided servants to work it, and invited him to eat at the king’s table every day “as though he were one of the king’s sons” (2 Samuel 9:9-11).

What a picture of salvation!  Once we were God’s enemies (Romans 5:10), broken and unable to help ourselves.  But the true King has brought us into His kingdom, given us an inheritance (Ephesians 1:11), a Servant (John 14:16), and daily fellowship at His table (Revelation 3:20).

Because our place is secure in Christ, we can extend the same unexpected kindness. We don’t have to guard our seat at the table.  We are chosen and beloved—free to pass on the love that found us.

- Catherine Reid