CARRIED TO THE TABLE
As parents, how often have we found ourselves lifting our children off a couch where they’ve fallen asleep, carrying them to their room, and tucking them securely into bed? Imagine how comforting it must feel, being restfully carried by someone you love.
Tucked away in 2 Samuel 9 is the story of Mephibosheth, who needed to be carried about, due to lame feet. His father, Jonathan, was King David’s beloved friend. After Jonathan died, David longed to bless someone in Jonathan’s family. When he learned of Mephibosheth, David summoned the lame man, and invited him to eat at his table for the remainder of his life. In verse 7 David said to him, “I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan … and you will always eat at my table.” Imagine the blessing of a lifetime invitation to the king’s table.
For a disabled person living at that time, few transportation options existed. Mephibosheth needed to be carried to the king’s table. Perhaps David himself undertook this chore at times. But while dining with the king, he was equal to everyone seated next to him. At his master’s table, his brokenness didn’t exist.
Travis Agnew writes, “What a beautiful foreshadowing of what Christ does for us. He finds us in our broken state and carries us to the table of communion. Seated with him, our brokenness is hidden and his favor is restored.” (TravisAgnew.org, 11/21/2016)
Christian artist Leland composed Carried to the Table, based on this story. The lyrics are stirring:
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
This isn’t just a communion song. Everyday life in God’s kingdom is depicted as a feast (Matthew 22:1-14). Jesus carries us to his “Table of Blessing” where we spiritually dine with him, receiving all he intended for us. Like Mephibosheth, I’m broken and lame. But just as we carry our children, our King scoops us in his arms and carries us to his table, where we’re no longer lame and broken.
Principle: In our brokenness, Jesus carries us to his table of blessing.
Ponder:
Under what circumstances do you feel the need to be “carried to the table” by Jesus?
In what specific ways do you sense Jesus “carrying you to the table?”
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study 2 Samuel 9.
King Jesus, I praise you for your amazing love for me. You have invited me to dine at your table of blessing, and because of my brokenness, you even carry me. Thank you for your grace and mercy.
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