Note: This is part 3 of a 3-week series. Click here to read Part 1:The Request of Hospitality. Part 2: The Reason for Hope.
Scripture:
“All that my master the king has ordered his servant,” answered Ziba, “your servant will surely do.” And Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, just like one of the royal family. Mephibosheth also had a small son named Mica. All who were part of Ziba’s household were now the servants of Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, taking all his meals at the king’s table. He was lame in both feet.” 2 Samuel 9:11-13
Perspective:
When you shake hands with someone influential and important, you feel important. Maybe you have met a former President, celebrity, or influential person. If they take time to talk with you, you recognize the value of their time and their willingness to share it with you. They are honoring you through their time and attention.
How does a so-called enemy of a King become part of the royal family? King David didn’t hold on to his pride, position, or privilege. He let it go to honor Mephibosheth. Because of Mephibosheth’s disability and his fear of the king, he had been living in obscurity. He was now going to eat at the King’s table. He no longer had to worry about what he would eat, where he would sleep, or his lack of mobility. King David gave him servants to help with his daily life. As Mephibosheth sat at the King’s table week after week, year after year, he probably looked around occasionally with teary eyes and a grateful heart. How do hospitality, hope, and honor relate? When we show kindness through hospitality, we bring hope. It can stop there, and many times it does. However, when we honor people who have been hopeless, we pull them out of their current perspective. We help them see life from a victorious standpoint rather than defeat. Could a generational trend of poverty, obscurity, hopelessness, and a life without Jesus all be changed? I dare you to try.
