“Then David inquired, “Is there anyone still left from the house of Saul, so that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” 2 Now there was a servant from Saul’s house whose name was Ziba, so they summoned him to David. The king asked him, “Are you Ziba?” “Your servant,” he said. The king asked him, “Is there still anyone from the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?” “There is still a son of Jonathan,” Ziba said to the king, “with crippled legs.” 2Sam.1:4
Mephibothesh can mean, “from the mouth of shame.” He was five years old when his father and grandfather were killed in battle on Mount Gilboa. His nurse hearing of this calamity, fled with him in a panic from the royal residence in Gibea, and in her haste stumbled and dropped Mephibosheth leaving him crippled unable to walk, thus disqualifying him for ever reigning as king (2Sam.4:4). The character of Mephibosheth illustrates the effect of continued disaster, suspicion and treachery that dogged his life.
Tziba, who had been Jonathan’s servant, held Mephibothesh in contempt and did not refer to him by name but as, “the one with lame legs.” To Tziba, Mephibothesh was useless because he was lame, and unworthy of honour. However, David considered Mephibosheth deserving to sit before the king’s (his) table. Spiritual lameness is indeed an impediment, but it cannot remove one’s pedigree, it simply limits one’s ability of service.
Sometimes, we may become victims of things we have no control of in our lives with what appear as irreversible consequences. Yet, God extends to us an invitation to feast at His table… But, there is something more. The Son of Righteousness, comes with healing in His wings for those who revere His name (Mal.3:20).
Mephibothesh never lived beyond the shadow of his low self-esteem for there lay embedded his measure of security. But, God dares us go beyond and bring us into the realm of His unlimited possibilities, So, I too dare you today to let Him take hold of your ‘lame legs’ that keep your head bowed low. Today, you can re-enter God’s calling over your life in Messiah Yeshua when you renounce every accusing “Tziba” and reject all voices of condemnation that has crippled your life.
Now is the time to catch the fire! Chag Shavuot Sameach!
