Head Scratcher — Mephibosheth - Thursday
Today’s Verse
Romans 5:8
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (NLT)
When our son was a baby, he was only a few months old when he stopped growing. Every check-up, there was no weight gain or weight loss. He was diagnosed with failure to thrive, and as a parent, I felt helpless. I had done everything I was supposed to do. Followed all the doctor's recommendations, yet no progress was made. Many tests and specialists later, he was diagnosed with a rare chromosomal disorder that only led to more questions. The weight of the unknown and hearing all the things he would “never” get to do as he grew up was too much for us to bear. But God was there for us through each day. He surrounded us with people who not only had the knowledge to care for our son, but who loved him as much as we did. Our son has surpassed all expectations and continues to succeed in his own way. The unknown of what the future holds will always be there, but so is God, guiding us, giving us hope, and loving us along the way.
In 2 Samuel 9, King David remembered the promise he made with Jonathan and sought out any surviving member of Saul’s family. When Mephibosheth was brought before David, he came trembling, expecting judgment. Instead, David spoke words of restoration: “Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness… and you will always eat at my table” (2 Samuel 9:7).
This moment turned Mephibosheth’s life around. He didn’t earn it. He didn’t expect it. But he received it because of a promise made long before he was ever aware of it.
We, too, are like Mephibosheth. Spiritually broken, hiding in our own places of fear and hopelessness. But just as Mephibosheth had David, we have God.
Through Jesus, God sought us out not to condemn us, but to show us mercy. Not only does He forgive our sins, but He also adopts us into His family. He gives us hope, dignity, and a place at His table. Not as strangers, but as beloved children.
Mephibosheth’s condition never changed, he remained crippled. But his position changed completely. From forgotten exile to favored son. This is what God’s grace does: it meets us in our lowest state and lifts us to where we could never go on our own.
REFLECTION
God loves you no matter what! If you are feeling hopeless today, we would love to pray for you. Go to southland.church/care to text a prayer to your campus. While you are there, you can find other resources that may help you through your current situation.