An open table

Today: 2 Samuel 8-12

In big cities like L.A. or New York, some restaurants are solidly booked months in advance, but always manage to have room for you...if you're famous. There's always room for a celebrity, professional athlete or political star. But your average Joe or Jane? Not so much.

It's quite a contrast to a story in this passage about David and Mephibosheth. First of all, David wasn't running a fancy restaurant--he was running a country! David was king of the land with vast wealth and power known throughout the region. And Mephibosheth? Not exactly a high-powered celebrity. Not an average Joe or Jane. Mephibosheth was a disabled orphan, shunned by many. He fled his home to escape death after his grandfather (Saul) and father (Jonathan) died. However, David graciously gave Mephibosheth an open invitation to his table and restored Mephibosheth's property ownership. Wow!

As I read this story today, I had a few thoughts.

First, you and I may be like Mephibosheth. In many ways, we are broken and undeserving, but God has chosen to give us an open invitation to his kingdom--all we have to do is accept it.

Second, I wonder who might be like Mephibosheth in our workplaces, cities and churches? Are there people you and I can show love, grace and kindness toward--even though they may be rejected by others?

An open table and an open heart are beautiful things. Who can we share them with?

Tomorrow: 2 Samuel 13-15