“God’s table has room for the broken but no place for shame.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 21, 2025
Taste and see that the Lord is good Psalm 34:8
The story of Mephibosheth is profound. In some way or another, we’re all connected to it. I hope you’ll find yourself here, too, and come to understand what it means to live with the King.
Running
Mephibosheth was five years old when his father (Jonathan), his grandfather (King Saul) and all but one of his uncles were killed. His nanny, upon realizing she was caretaker of one of the only remaining heirs to the throne – picked up the boy and fled.
She suspected the new king was like other kings, who commonly murdered would-be heirs to the throne. What she didn’t know was that the new king (David) had made a covenant with Mephibosheth’s father. So, she ran as fast as she could to get Mephibosheth away from the king. And in her fear and in her haste, she dropped him, and he was maimed for life.
Many of us have scars left by those who were supposed to care for us. Others, misunderstanding God, have been afraid of Him and run. I’ve never met a person who wasn’t broken in some way. Some scars we can hide; some are the kind everyone can see.
Hiding
Through no choice of his own, Mephibosheth spent his childhood in Lo Debar (meaning “nothing” or “no pasture”). Even after he became the only heir, he remained in exile.
Most of us have spent (or are spending) time in obscurity. Some of us live with shame. But because there’s a God who seeks us, we don’t have to stay in Lo Debar forever.
Sought out
“Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” David asked when his kingdom was established.
Mephibosheth was brought before the king, now a young man.
“Mephibosheth!” David welcomed him.
“At your service,” Mephibosheth replied, though he couldn’t have served as soldier or servant and perhaps expected execution. Broken, afraid, and unable to serve, what could the king possibly want with him?
Because of what we’ve suffered, what we’ve done or haven’t done, we wonder if God can use us at all. Yet He seeks broken people, places us by faith in Christ, and purchases our worthiness with His sacrifice. We become worthy of kindness and purpose not because of our character, our merits, or our fitness for Him, but because He’s made us worthy.
Restored
“Don’t be afraid,” David said. “I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan.”
David poured out generosity, and Mephibosheth received an unimaginable inheritance – all his grandfather’s possessions, plus provision for life.
We’re promised a similar-but-better inheritance – adoption into our King’s family, a home, life forever in the presence of our King, who Himself is our provision. And Christ’s work on the cross restores our relationship with God and makes us worthy of His love forever.
Exalted
“You will always eat at my table,” David promised. That meant more than food. It elevated Mephibosheth to a position of honor. He was treated as the king’s sons, and the covenant between David and Jonathan was fulfilled. And at a table, no one can see your feet.
David saw Mephibosheth through his love for Jonathan. God sees us in Christ. Christ covers our brokenness and makes us not honored guests but sons and daughters of God.
Scripture echoes this over and over. God’s table has room for the broken but no place for shame. All are restored to honor, all who are hungry eat, in covenantal relationship with our King forever.
Prayer
My King! I’m utterly unworthy to be in your presence. But you are good. I would be terrified to come near you and never expect to sit at your table – except for Jesus. My Savior! Thank you for purchasing my restoration and place at the Father’s table. Thank you for your covenant, for making me worthy, for giving me purpose and hope and an inheritance. God! I live in total awe of you, and yet you treat me gently, like your child. I love you, Father. Thank You for remembering me, for seeking me out, healing my brokenness, restoring me, and adopting me into Your family!
Application
Find yourself in this story. Were you hurt by someone? Are you hiding in shame? Living in obscurity because you don’t know what purpose God has for you? Or maybe you’re in a position to do like David, to keep a promise, seek someone out who seems unworthy to others but is not unworthy to God. Whoever you are, remember the covenant Christ made in His blood to bring you back. And in whose right hand and at whose table is everything we could ever want or need.
Related Reading
1 Samuel 18:1-4, 20:12-17; 2 Samuel 4:4, 9; Psalm 23; 34:8; 36:7-9; Isaiah 55:1-2
Worship Resource
The Worship Initiative feat. David Belt: Remember Him
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