Radical Invite to the Table
by Tammy Iund Woodard
Monday - 9.28.20
I love the picture of Psalms 23:5. Christ preparing the table for us in the presence of our enemies.
The story of Mephibosheth is such a great reminder of being in community, even with those we might deem the enemy. Enemy: person who feels hatred for, fosters harmful designs against, or engages in antagonistic activities against another, an adversary or opponent. Persons, nations, etc., that are hostile to one another. Something harmful or prejudicial.
Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan. David and Jonathan were best friends. David promised Jonathan that when he [David] became King he would spare the lives of any of Jonathan’s household. Back in that day usually a new king killed off any family from the previous king – to prevent any chance of overthrow. Mephibosheth’s nanny was unaware of the promise between David and Jonathan. She was fearful for Mephibosheth’s life, so she took him and fled to Lodebar. While the nanny was fleeing with Mephibosheth, an injury occurred and he was forever lame in both his feet. Mephibosheth grew up in Lodebar, never knowing his heritage, never knowing of the promise between David & Jonathan and living in brokenness.
This story is so beautiful because Mephibosheth’s circumstances and brokenness didn’t change his identity: he was of royal descent. It’s an amazing picture of our redemption in Jesus. David found Mephibosheth brought him into the King’s palace and gave him a seat at the table. Even with his lameness, David seated him in a place of authority, power and position. To the onlooker Mephibosheth was sitting at a table in the presence of his enemies. The way king’s rule worked in those days, David’s kingdom would have been an enemy to Mephibosheth. David and Mephibosheth came from different backgrounds, perspectives and upbringings. They didn’t have much in common. David made a radical invite.
We often get sucked into the comparison game. We compare our work status, our marital status, our child/childless status, our financial status and our spiritual status. But Christ has created all of us in HIS image. We all start out the same – the same status. The circumstances around our conception don’t dictate our worth. Our upbringing doesn’t dictate our worth. Our education, job status, etc, none of it dictates our worth. Our worth was determined from the start when Christ created us in HIS image. Sometimes, we might think a little too highly of ourselves. We’ve worked hard for what we have. We’ve been strong and driven. But for others, life happens. We go through situations that cause us to feel broken. Yet, through the power and grace of God we can be seated together.
David was persistent enough to invite Mephibosheth into community and Mephibosheth was brave enough to accept. Will you be persistent enough to invite others into community? Will you be brave enough to accept an invitation? Will you live in radical community?
Call to Action
Pray and Reflect on:
Read the full story of Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 4 and 2 Samuel 9.
Psalms 23:5 NLT
5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.
Reflections
David’s invite to Mephibosheth was a radical invite to the table. Who would be a radical invite to your table? What opportunities do you have to invite those who are different from you into community with you?
Do you get sucked into the comparison game? What does the scripture say about your value and your worth?
Who or what is the “enemy” that you need a table prepared in the midst of?
Are there situations in your life where you feel more like David (powerful, controlling the narrative) or more like Mephibosheth (wounded, hidden identity)? Ask God what to do about each of those situations.
