A Table in the Wilderness: A Study on God's GoodnessSample

When I Need to Belong

Today, we’re looking at God’s goodness to us when we feel we deserve it the least. We’re celebrating at the table of unexpected belonging.

The story of Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel is of a man who was the enemy of David. He came from a lineage of failure. He was crippled, though by no fault of his own. He lived in hiding at the mercy of his servant, Ziba. The notion that David the king would invite him to sit at his table was preposterous. But David was looking for a way to show kindness to Mephibosheth because of a promise David had made to his friend Jonathan (see 1 Samuel 20).

At this point in the story, Mephibosheth has done nothing to earn David’s favor. He had no legacy to impress David with. He had no connections that would endear him to David. Yet it was in this baffling dynamic that David asked the most unexpected question: “Is there still someone of the house of Saul that I may show the kindness of God to him?”

In thinking about David, one cannot ignore the spiritual implications for us in light of Jesus. It was love that motivated David to reach out to Mephibosheth, and it was love that motivated the Father to send His Son, Jesus, to secure a place at God’s table for us.

There is something astounding about intentional, unsolicited kindness. I tend to become suspicious when someone is kind to me. Yet we’re told in Romans 2:4 that it is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance.

God’s goodness rests on the nature of who He is, not on how good we are. The story of David and Mephibosheth is a wonderful depiction of this. We tend to think we’re good enough when we’ve done enough, but God knows that we’ll never be “good enough”—we’ll only be loved enough! We are created perfectly in God’s image, even when we see ourselves as imperfect.

My prayer is that God uses His Word to remind you of His lavish love for you and that you once and for all put aside your insecurities and fears and take your place at the table of unexpected belonging—right where you belong!

As you consider your journey with God, what are some practical ways you’ve experienced God’s kindness to you?