The King's Table

"'Don't be afraid!' David said.

'I intend to show kindness to you

because of my promise to 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!'"

2 Samuel 9:7 NLT

His father was dead.  With his death, the end of peace in the land also arrived, with the people turning toward false gods and idols, bowing down to carved images.  He believed he was a natural-born leader and, against his father's values and ideals, hatched a plan to make it happen.  Once he received the support of his mother's family, he set about taking the throne by force, killing all but one of his brothers.  With his competition out of the way, Abimelech was free to rule the nation of Israel. (Judges 8:33-9:6)

It agrees with human nature to do away with any possible rivals when taking on a new position of power.  There is always the fear that someone else could overthrow the new leader's cabinet and force his way into position.  History is filled with stories of military coups, revolution and rebellion against an established government.  Therefore, it would be expected that David, upon institution of his new kingdom, would do away with his former rival.  Without performing this seemingly necessary slaughter of Saul's kin, there was always the chance that someone would rise up and claim the throne as his rightful own.

Surprisingly, David does not even consider such a measure.  Instead, he intends to show kindness to the line of Saul, searching for his relatives in an effort to restore them to their intended position as offspring of the king.  Out of respect for the promise he made to Saul's son, Jonathan, he would always show compassion for his enemy's kin. (1 Samuel 20:17)

David showed mercy to Saul's family for Jonathan's sake.  In the same way that David intended to keep that promise made to Jonathan, God is a God who is even more faithful and intends to keep the pledge made to Abraham to bless all people of the earth through him. (Genesis 12:3)  As a result, I can trust in what He says He will do through Jesus Christ His son.

Family

In an attempt to make me feel at home, my host told me that I was welcome to any food in the kitchen, to help myself to towels in the linen closet and to make myself comfortable.  Even though I wasn't born into their family, they were treating me as if I were a blood relative.

Similarly, God demonstrates His own love for me by sacrificing His own Son so that I could be adopted into His family. (1 John 3:1) As a daughter by faith in Jesus Christ, I can claim all the privileges of His natural Son.  In fact, I am considered a co-heir with Christ! (Romans 8:17)  

This means I can call God "Father" in the most intimate sense.  I can also expect to be cared for as a loving Dad tends to his own children's needs.  (Matthew 6:32)  When I am hurting, my Father will comfort me in a way that no one else can.  (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)  

As His child, I can also expect discipline in order to teach me how to live in accordance to His will.  If He didn't love me, He would simply leave me to my own devices, letting me run off the path of life.  Instead, He cares enough, as any good father does, to teach me the hard lessons of life.  (Hebrews 12:7-8)

Based on the lavish love of a God who keeps His promises, I am invited to become a part of His family through faith in Jesus Christ.

Abundant Life

The daily grind.  She hunkered down and got to work, praying for strength to get through each moment as it came.  The joy was gone, but she was making it by the skin of her teeth.  Even though she found no peace within her heart, she was thankful for her life.  Still, it seemed there should be something more.

It's easy to slip into survival mode, running from one activity to the other, struggling to pay the bills and keep the family healthy while providing for their needs, yet never taking a moment to enjoy the day God has graciously given.  If I'm not careful, I end up existing instead of flourishing as God intended.  In the place of blooming, I wither like those who don't know the Giver of life. (John 1:4)

Jesus came not just to give me eternal life, although the assurance of a heavenly home gives me much hope in times of struggle.  Jesus Christ went through 33 years of human existence culminating with a brutal death on a Roman cross so that I could live an abundant, rich, meaningful life. (John 10:10, Romans 5:17) So often I miss out on such bounty.

I'm too busy going after the same things the world values: beauty, success, riches.  I fail to notice the worth of a gentle touch, a kind word, or a thoughtful gift.  I'm so caught up in running after my own fleshly desires that I miss the divine offering of a bird's serenade, or a lovely blossom, or the melody of rain in the trees.  I often miss the simple pleasure found in a heart at peace, a life forgiven, and a hope eternal.  My life is no life at all; it is simply an existence.

Based on the generosity of a God who keeps His promises, I am offered an abundant life through faith in Jesus Christ.

Freedom

She lived on the edge, constantly in fear of being discovered.  Her past life was sure to catch up with her.  The woman believed it was only a matter of time before the authorities would track her down and give her what she deserved.  Still, she tried to live her new life as normally as possible, willing herself to find happiness in her new surroundings.

In the same way this fugitive from justice lived a life in constant fear of being found out, I can easily slip into this same mindset, living with a cloud of my sin hanging over me.  The thing is, Jesus did not die a criminal's death so that I would live in guilt and shame.  He did not willingly endure such torture so that I would live in fear of God's condemnation.  He did not allow Himself to be nailed to that cross and separated from His Father because of my sin so that I could go on living as if I were still bound to my sin.

Jesus died so that I could be free from sin.  The shackles with which my flesh once bound me have been broken. (Romans 6:18) My sin has been removed from me so that all God sees when He looks at me is the righteousness of Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21)  The guilty verdict my sin earns me has been overturned.  (Romans 6:23, 8:1) Therefore, there is no guilt or shame: I am a sinner saved by grace and am always forgiven due to Jesus' sacrifice. (1 John 1:9)

Once I understand the love of God and His willingness to accept me as His own through faith in Jesus Christ, I can realize the security of such a position.  I no longer have anything to fear; I have been set free from the judgement my sin requires. (1 John 4:18)  

Therefore, I can live with a clear conscious, not beating myself up for all the ways I fall short or for the sin I am powerless to resist. (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8) Instead of giving in to the inevitable, I can live in tandem with God's Spirit, producing fruit I have never before seen in my own life.  Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control are all mine, flowing from the Spirit of God dwelling within me. (Galatians 5:16-25)  Instead of having no choice but to follow my flesh, I am empowered to be able to choose to go where God is leading me.

Based on the grace and mercy of a God who keeps His promises, I have freedom in Christ.

David mercifully invited Mephibosheth to dine at the king's table out of his desire to keep the promise he made to Jonathan.  Similarly, God will never go back on the pledge He made to Abraham to bless all of mankind through his bloodline.  As a result, through faith in Jesus Christ, an earthly descendant of Abraham and the Son of God Himself, I can enjoy the fruit of God's great love.  Through faith I am adopted into His family, am invited to live an abundant life, and have been mercifully given freedom from the burden of my own sin.  In these ways, I have been offered a place at the King of king's table.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can take God at His word and accept the free gift of salvation He offers through Jesus Christ.

How do I refuse to partake in these gifts so graciously offered to me?

When am I merely surviving instead of thriving?  

He Reigns

"Then as I looked, 

I saw a door standing open in heaven,

and the same voice I had heard before

spoke to me like a trumpet blast.

The voice said,

'Come up here,

and I will show you what must happen after this.'

And instantly I was in the Spirit,

and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it.

The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones--

like jasper and carnelian.

And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow.

Twenty-four thrones surrounded him,

and twenty-four elders sat on them.

They were all clothed in white

and had gold crowns on their heads."

Revelation 4:1-3 NLT

"Plane crashes killing two and injuring dozens."

"40 dead, 322 wounded in latest Cairo clash."

"At least 9 dead in Chicago after weekend shootings."

"Brazil soccer referee's head displayed midfield after murderous match."

"Lady Gaga defiles national anthem by replacing 'home of the brave' with 'home of the gays.'"

These are some of the headlines from today's news.  Clearly, the world is in chaos, sin runs rampant and it seems that evil rules.  Hearts have grown cold and I can easily feel there is no hope.  If I could take a peek through an open door and catch a glimpse of heaven, however, what would I see that would fill me with optimistic expectations?

Throne

The moment I or one of my family members leaves the room, the whining begins.  It starts as a whimper that turns into a belly-growl.  Before you know it, our family dog is barking incessantly.  Coal, our 10-year-old lab mix does not like to be alone;  simply being in the presence of his family brings him comfort.  

As a result, when he and his brother are sequestered in a room each day in order to keep them out of the way during Bible study groups, visits from friends or other various activities, he often protests.  There is something about human company that brings him comfort.

In the same way, I can derive a certain amount of assurance from the fact that the throne in heaven does not sit empty.  Instead, the Lord my God, Maker of heaven and earth fills this symbol of power, authority and sovereignty.  God is in control.

Therefore, when I see the evil all around me and I'm tempted to lose hope, I can remember the presence of my Father whose company I can never escape.  His eye doesn't miss a thing and He hems me in with His loving kindness; the Lord is the consummate Shepherd, guiding me through all the trials of life. (Psalm 139)

In a world seemingly out-of-control, I can take comfort from the fact that the Lord sits on the throne.

Glory

The sheer intensity of the lighted blinded the man.  He fell to the ground in terror tinged with awe.  "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"  The voice clearly condemned his life's work, adding to the fear and trepidation building in the chosen one's heart.  In the blink of an eye, Saul suddenly knew the Truth:  All this time, he had been living according to the wrong set of standards.  Coming into contact with the Namesake of those he bullied changed his life forever. (Acts 9:1-9)

No one can imagine the perfection, holiness, and pure power present in the glory of God.  Moses caught a glimpse of the backside of the Lord and came away with a face that glowed with God's awesome brilliance; so much so that he had to cover his face with a veil to keep from freaking out the people with whom he spoke. (Exodus 34:29-35) There is nothing like a hint of God's awe-inspiring nature to put things into perspective.

Knowing how much higher God is from all created things can give me a sense of peace in a world gone mad. (Isaiah 55:8-9)  When I see children being abused and used in ways that my mind cannot fathom, I can remember the One whom all will one day confess as Lord. (Romans 14:11-12)  

I can also take heart as I see the sexual immorality tarnishing every facet of our society, knowing that a Holy God does not overlook this kind of abomination.  And when that sin stains my own heart, I can go on without shame as the blood of Jesus covers over my transgressions, making me white as snow. (1 John 1:7)

In a world marked by sin, I can take comfort from the fact that my Father is a righteous God.

His Faithfulness

His people carried an ancestry of His Name.  Those who came from the bloodline of Abraham were named as God's very own.  Simply being born into the right family made them special in the eyes of God. (Genesis 12:1-3, Exodus 6:7)  The nation of Israel were considered by God to be His very own.

Under the new covenant of grace, I no longer need be born into the right family tree.  Now, I can enter into His favor through faith in Jesus Christ who took the punishment for my sins, setting me right with God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)  I am now included as one of His very own, the people of promise, and therefore part of His plan. (Romans 9:8)

God is a just God who cannot overlook sin.  When He chose His people, He expected them to stay separate from the rest of the world, keeping themselves holy.  God enacted many rules to help His people keep sanctified for His service.  Unfortunately, sin proved all too powerful and many succumbed to it's lure, highlighting their need for a Savior.

Despite the desperate nature of my depravity, God is faithful to include me, a sinner tarnished and born into the wrong bloodline as one of His own.  The power of the blood of Jesus cleanses me from all unrighteousness, leaving me as one of His very own.  There is nothing that can now condemn me so secure is my place in His family.  Living for Him as one of His children sets my feet on solid ground. (Romans 8:1)

In a world where I am used to earning my keep, I can take comfort from the fact that my salvation is secure in Christ.

It is easy to lose hope in such a dark place.  Simply reading the headlines can cause me to sink into despair.  Thankfully, though, I have much good to anticipate due to the fact that the Lord is on the throne, His ways are higher than mine, and He is faithful to include me as one of His own.    This day I choose to praise my God because He reigns!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember that my God reigns.

How do I sink into despair, forgetting Who is in control?

When do I depend on my own understanding instead of letting God in His sovereignty rule over my life?