“He shall eat at my table like one of the king’s sons.” – 2nd Samuel 9:11b
There’s an old saying that states “Be careful of the company you keep”. One of the great benefits of being a believer in Jesus is the fact that there is inclusion. We are a part of God’s family; this inclusion should bring great comfort and contentment.
Having traveled this journey for many years I often reflect on the staying power of God. He has instilled in me a security that gets me through, because there are a lot of circumstances in life that can cause a sense of insecurity and discontentment. It’s in these times I reflect on the story of David and Mephibosheth. What a picture of inclusiveness, living in Lo Debar, (translated, “Nothingville”) Mephibosheth was sought out not because of what he did but who he was. Sometimes LoDebar is a place we live in our mind; it can resemble the guilt and bring a reminder of our past. Mephibosheth was crippled as a child, the son of Jonathon, grandson of Saul and in his mind an enemy of the King.
Where were you when God sought you out? Have you visited that place recently? I have, it’s a dark reminder of where I was, a place I am thankful God called me out of. Living in LoDebar is living the lie of the past, feeling unworthy and excluded. There are a lot of benefits that come with our identity in Christ, but for me sometimes it’s the fact that there is a seat at The King’s table just for me. This seat isn’t earned, it’s given, it is ours because of who we belong to. Our salvation has given us this inclusiveness.
The culmination of our walk with the Lord will bring us to that great feast one day,
“Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:9
So when you find yourself in LoDebar, listen for the King’s voice calling you to His table. This is the symbolism I often use to remind me of the fact that God calls me to “Come, have a seat”.
Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri and serves with her as full-time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can reach him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.
