Provision at the King's Table

“So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet.” (2Samuel 9:13)

Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan who was the son of King Saul.  When Saul and Jonathan were killed, Mephibosheth’s nurse took him and fled but dropped him causing him to be crippled. (2 Samuel 4:4) When David was given the kingdom, he remembered his friend Jonathan and asked if any of his family were alive.  He was told of Mephibosheth, summoned him and restored all of Saul’s land and servants to him. (2 Samuel 9:7-12) But because of his love for Jonathan, David had Mephibosheth eat at his table as one of the king’s sons. (2 Samuel 9:11) To be invited to sit at the king’s table was an honor.  It was to be included in the king’s family as one of his sons. Mephibosheth was to sit always at the king’s table. King David would provide for his sustenance for the rest of his life.

David understood the significance of eating at the table of the king.  He penned Psalm 23 and writes, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” (Psalm 23:5) There’s provision at the Lord’s table. It’s thought that David wrote this psalm near the end of his life. He reviews his life in light of what God has done and where He has brought him. God had provided everything he needed at the precise time that he needed it. His enemies saw it and knew it. They knew God was with him and feared him. “And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.” (1Samuel 18:12)

Every book of the Bible has a reference to or is a symbolism of Jesus.  This situation with Mephibosheth is no different. The Lord has prepared already every provision we need and has set it before us much like a set table with all the fixings needed for our sustenance. We were crippled with sin when we were summoned and accepted the Lord’s invitation. The love of the Father for Jesus has us sit at His table with Jesus His Son. There is sustenance for every need. Our enemy may bring troubles, hardships and sicknesses, but our Lord has provided what we need in those times. Paul in writing to the Philippians who had sent something for his provision writes: “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) Paul states a Truth of God’s love and mercy.  While we are blessed up to a hundred fold for our giving, our Lord is a provider of all our needs. Jesus proclaimed it. “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” (Matthew 6:30-32) The Lord knows our need and has already provided it.

In the heavens at the end of time, there is a place prepared for us at the table at the marriage supper of the Lamb. The Father has invited us to sit and eat at the King’s table because of His love for His Son, Jesus. John writes about the revelation that is given to him. “ And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” (Revelation 19:6-9)

In the parable of the wedding feast, those who were invited took the invitation lightly. “Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.” (Matthew 22:8) Jesus makes an invitation to us.  God’s children are ready for the supper of the wedding feast. We have received the gift God offers of mercy, love and salvation. But there are many who haven’t heard they are invited.  Jesus sends us to them, much like David sent for Mephibosheth.  We are called to summon them before the King of Kings Who invites them to His table of provision with His children. (Matthew 22: 9,10)