Nowhere Man ∙∙

Nowhere Man ∙∙  

Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, regularly eating at the king’s table. Now he was lame in both feet. – 2 Samuel 9:13

1 Samuel 20:14-17

 14 [Jonathan told David] and may you treat me with the faithful love of the LORD as long as I live. But if I die,

 15 treat my family with this faithful love, even when the LORD destroys all your enemies from the face of the earth.

 16 So Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, saying, May the LORD destroy all your enemies!

 17 And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as himself.

Nowhere Man – The Beatles, 1965

He’s a real nowhere man

Sitting in his nowhere land

Making all his nowhere plans for nobody

Doesn’t have a point of view

Knows not where he’s going to

Isn’t he a bit like you and me?

The Father is a great, merciful, and compassionate King. Showing kindness is one of the remarkable things that He does. When we display kindness to our fiercest adversaries, we reflect His divine nature. As children of the King, offering kindness to others shatters the walls of hatred and bitterness, demonstrating our allegiance to the Father and touching the hearts of those who receive it.

2 Samuel 9:3-9

 3 The king asked, “Is anyone from Saul’s family still alive? If so, I want to show God’s kindness to them.” Ziba replied, “Yes, one of Jonathan’s sons is still alive. He is crippled in both feet.”

 4 “Where is he?” the king asked. “In Lo-debar,” Ziba told him, “at the home of Makir, son of Ammiel.”

 5 So David sent for him and brought him from Makir’s home.

 6 His name was Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson. When he came to David, he bowed low to the ground in deep respect. David said, “Greetings, Mephibosheth.” Mephibosheth replied, “I am your servant.”

 7 “Don’t be afraid!” David said. “I intend to show kindness to you because I promised your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!”

 8 Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, “Who is your servant that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?”

 9 Then, the king summoned Saul’s servant Ziba and said, “I have given your master’s grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family.”

David and Mephibosheth – The Back Story

During his life, King Saul considered David his bitterest enemy and fiercest adversary. Saul relentlessly hunted him for years, seeking to kill him. Despite this animosity, David forged a deep friendship with Saul’s son, Jonathan. David promised Jonathan his unwavering kindness.

In the Ancient Near East, when new dynasties came to power, it was common practice to eliminate all potential threats by exterminating the entire family of the previous ruler. Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, was one such potential rival.

David initially held deep-seated prejudice and hatred for those who were lame and impaired (2 Samuel 5:6-8). Mephibosheth, having suffered a fall in childhood, became lame in both feet. He could hardly stand, could barely walk, and definitely could not run. Due to his disability, Mephibosheth referred to himself as a “dead dog,” considering himself an insignificant person of no account (2 Samuel 9:8).

To protect himself, Mephibosheth hid away in a remote location called Lo-debar. The Hebrew word debar means “word” or “thing,” while lo means “no.” Together, Lo-debar translates to “no word” or “nothing,” aptly describing the town as insignificant and remote – a place akin to what we might call “Podunk” in English, essentially the middle of nowhere.

Thus, Mephibosheth became the original nowhere man, living in a nowhere land, making all his nowhere plans for nobody.

REFLECT & PRAY

Our fallen human DNA often leans towards bitterness and resentment, but the Father calls us to a higher standard. He invites the children of the King to embrace gentleness and mercy, showing kindness to everyone in need.

Father, You are the essence of kindness and steadfast love. Encourage and empower me to embody Your compassion and kindness and care for those around me.

INSIGHT

Kindness is a generous attitude or action shared between individuals. It encompasses a spectrum of emotions and actions, such as love, sympathy, friendliness, patience, pleasantness, gentleness, affability, and goodness. It is reflected in our words and deeds and represents a deliberate choice rather than a mere emotional response.

Kindness is a tangible expression of grace, bringing grace to life in everyday interactions.

Jonathan once asked David for “unfailing kindness” to spare his life (1 Samuel 20:14-15). He viewed his bond with David through a spiritual lens, placing the Father at the heart of their friendship. The Father blesses us with true companionship when we most need it.

David’s kindness to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, highlighted two of his most remarkable traits: kindness and loyalty. In Hebrew, the word hesed embodies the concept of “loyal love.” It is often translated as lovingkindness, signifying steadfast love.

David’s goodness and generosity towards Mephibosheth were pure grace, unearned by Jonathan’s son. David ensured Mephibosheth’s needs were met in Jerusalem, elevating him from obscurity to the royal court. Mephibosheth dined at the king’s table as one of David’s own sons (2 Samuel 9:1-7). David turned over all of Saul’s lands to him and ensured their cultivation.

David’s act of kindness to Mephibosheth, in honor of his promise to Jonathan, is hailed as “the greatest illustration of grace in all the Old Testament” (Swindoll).

The narrative of Mephibosheth holds profound truths just beneath the surface, drawing parallels between him and all children of the King. Mephibosheth, having fallen, was left crippled, hiding in a desolate place of stark bleakness and fearful of the king.

Similarly, due to the Fall, our hearts bear wounds and deformities. We often see ourselves as unworthy and hide from the Father who loves and cherishes us the most.

Our heavenly Father is the antithesis of Lo-debar. He is always present somewhere and everywhere, crafting incredible and extraordinary plans for all children of the King. His kindness is boundless and unfailing, reaching each of us with love and grace.

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© Dr. H 2024