Nothing in my hands I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress,
Helpless, look to Thee for grace:
Foul, I to the fountain fly,
Wash me, Savior, or I die.
(Rock of Ages)
I have been encouraged this past week through reading, rereading and meditating on the story of Mephibosheth, grandson of Israel’s first anointed king, Saul. Mephibosheth’s story, although somewhat unfamiliar to many, is yet a poignant depiction of God’s unmerited faithfulness to humanity.
In the 18th chapter of 1 Samuel, there is recorded the cutting of a covenant between two young men, David and Jonathan. This is no casual arrangement, but a life and death bond made by blood and oath, not only promising their allegiance to one another but binding together their descendants yet unborn.
After some time both Saul and Jonathan were killed in battle, and David became king of Israel. His kingdom was established, and years later David remembered his covenant with Jonathan. In his desire to be faithful to the covenant oath he asked, “Is there yet anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” and again, “Is there not yet anyone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?” (2 Samuel 9:1,3) He then learned of Jonathan’s crippled son, Mephibosheth, whom he sought out and gave a home to in his royal household.
David, king of Israel, had a keen understanding of the steadfast love of God; the covenant faithfulness and mercy of God – that would one day be the saving grace of everyone who would re-enter into a reverent and devoted relationship with Almighty God. The covenant between David and Jonathan that restores Mephibosheth to the royal family clearly foreshadows the future, eternal covenant that God has made in his Son, on our behalf.
Ephesians 2:4-9 says, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ…by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
You may not see God as he is now, and in fact, may perceive him to be a tyrant or an evil being. Or perhaps you think you have gone further into sin than the arms of his mercy can reach, yet he is full of steadfast love for you. David remembered his covenant of love with the crown prince Jonathan and later bestowed on Mephibosheth riches, honor and a secure standing – indeed, he blessed Mephibosheth as though he were Jonathan himself, and altogether regardless of anything Mephibosheth did. In the same way, God remembers his everlasting covenant with his Son, Jesus Christ and by merit of his goodness, we become heirs with Christ.
“…I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
Each month a member of the Cook County Ministerium will offer Spiritual Reflections. This week’s contributor is Jake Patten, youth pastor of Grand Marais Evangelical Free Church.
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