“When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” Psalm 126:1-3
The expression of the psalmist in this psalm came straight to my mind as I read the passage about David and Mephibosheth.
Calling to remembrance his promise to God and to his bosom friend, Jonathan, David thought of ways he could repay them for their roles in his life as a growing young man, anointed for the throne. He needed to fulfil this promise in the lives of any remnant of the family.
In David’s words
“Is there anyone left of Saul’s family? If there is, I would like to show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake……Is there anyone left of Saul’s family to whom I can show loyalty and kindness as I promised God I would?” 2 Samuel 9:1-3. GNV
David had ascended and settled on the throne he was anointed to occupy as king, yet he never forgot the promise he made to Jonathan.
Promotion was not enough to make him forget.
It was now time to remember and do good and there was only one man left of Saul’s family. Pronto! Mephibosheth was sent for:
“Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant! And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually”. 2 Samuel 9:6-7 (KJV)
If Mephibosheth was expecting anything else at all from his ancestors, it certainly was not this kind of favour from the king who is currently on the throne and was not in any way related to him. He probably must have been thanking God for the little that Ziba (Saul’s servant gave to him, if he did at all from the remaining farms or belongings of Saul). But it was time to show favour to Zion. The set time had come. (Psalm 102:13)
“Then the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master’s son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house. Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master’s son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master’s son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king’s sons. And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth. So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king’s table; and was lame on both his feet.” 2 Samuel 9:9-13 (KJV)
Mephibosheth got more than he could ever imagine in life!
What was restored to him was overwhelming: eating at the king’s table; everything that belonged to Saul including Ziba (Saul’s servant, his 15 sons and 20 servants) became his properties overnight. They became his farmers and stewards and everything he could need them for.
This was a dream that Mephibosheth never woke up from! God turned his captivity around! It was an overwhelming dream!
Just like in the case of Mordecai, the reward he got from the king at a time he least expected was more than he could imagine. (Esther 6)
When God shows up in a life, a community or Nation, the result is usually more than man could comprehend. He is the King of all kings! God is a rewarder! His promises are yea and Amen! He does not forget them.
Despite his handicap (cripple in both feet), I could imagine the song and dance that Mephibosheth engaged himself with that night; I could imagine his sleeplessness; I could imagine the joy and a song that sprang from the depth of his heart that night.
He probably might have sang:
Se emi naa re Oluwa
(Could this be me Lord?)
Se emi naa re Oluwa;
(Could this be me Lord?)
Mo wa dupe ore a’todun m’odun
(I’ve come to thank you for the years rolled by)
Mo wa dupe ore a’tosu m’osu
(I appreciate you for all the months gone past)
Mo wa dupe ore igba gbogbo
(I appreciate you for all these blessings)
Se emi naa re Oluwa
(Could this be me O Lord?)
The story of Mephibosheth is a reminder of the faithfulness of God!
He is too faithful to forget you. Is there something you have been waiting for? Be rest assured that God has not forgotten! He will surely show up. Is there something that you seem to have written off about yourself thinking nothing good will come out of it again? God has not written it off about you as long as it is meant for you! Only remain faithful at your duty post; you will be remembered for good.
God will show up and you shall be remembered for good! Amen!
©Funmi Adebayo