2 Samuel 9:7-13- Eat At My Table; Be Like A Son
The second invitation is: Eat at my table. This command – or a reference to it – is repeated 4 times in this chapter: V7: You shall eat at my table always; v10: But Mephibosheth your master’s grandson shall always eat at my table; v11: So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, like one of the king’s sons; v13: So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king’s table.
This invitation takes things to a whole new level. It’s one thing to tell Mephibosheth not to be afraid. It was conceivable, that David, because of his friendship to Jonathan, would spare Mephibosheth’s life. But to invite him to eat at his table?! That goes way beyond Mephibosheth’s wildest dreams! David doesn’t simply spare his life, but he heaps goodness on top of him. That’s what we receive in the gospel. God doesn’t merely accept us. He doesn’t simply tolerate us. He invites us to eat at his table. It’s the marriage supper of the lamb, of which the Lord’s Supper is just a foretaste. This chapter tells us that our King is a King who invites broken people to his table.
Look at v11: So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, like one of the king’s sons. This invitation to sit at David’s table, is an invitation to be like one of his own family members. Mephibosheth falls before David and calls himself a servant. He’s hoping against hope that David will treat him as a servant, rather than an enemy, just like the prodigal son. But both Mephibosheth and the prodigal are told – no, you’re not going to be treated like a servant! You’re going to be treated like a son. That’s the gospel. To those who come in repentance and faith, God says: Don’t be afraid; Eat at my table; Become my son or daughter.
Who takes the initiative in this chapter? Is it Mephibosheth? No. Mephibosheth hasn’t the first thought of going near David. It’s the same for us. We haven’t the least thought of going to God. But – Romans 5:8 – God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We were lost sheep. He is the Good Shepherd who came looking for us.
Question
- What does this tell us about the Gospel?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God heaps good things upon us.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.