Daily devotional · June 7
A Seat at the Table
“Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?” And there was a servant of the house of Saul named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” “I am your servant,” he replied. So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.” “Where is he?” replied the king. And Ziba said, “Indeed, he is in Lo-debar at the house of Machir son of Ammiel.” So King David had him brought from the house of Machir son of Ammiel in Lo-debar. And when Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he fell facedown in reverence. Then David said, “Mephibosheth!” “I am your servant,” he replied. “Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?””
David is king, his enemies are defeated, and he asks an unusual question: is anyone left of Saul's house to whom I can show kindness? Mephibosheth, lame in both feet and living in obscurity, expects punishment. Instead he is invited to eat at the king's table, permanently. His response is humble, describing himself as a dead dog. This story quietly mirrors the gospel: one with power seeks out the broken, not to shame but to include. Kindness in Scripture is not a mood; it is a deliberate search for someone who needs it. Today, ask yourself who has fallen out of view in your circle, an old friend, a widowed neighbor, a coworker who eats alone. Reach out with a call, a message or an invitation to a meal. Make room at your table.
Prayer
Father, you seated me at your table by grace. Make me quick to welcome others.