A Table for the Broken

Have you ever had that feeling of happiness that it drives you to make other people happy? David had that feeling in 2 Samuel 9. He was settling into his reign as King of Israel, and now that things were calm and going well, he had a thought.

A Heart Stirred by Kindness

“Then David said, ‘Is there yet anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’” (2 Samuel 9:1, NASB1995)

David was enjoying his rulership, and now that things had calmed down, he remembered his good friend Jonathan. Jonathan was a friend who stuck closer than a brother and had true love for David. Even helping David escape from the clutches of his father, Saul, the then king.

Surviving Kindness

“The king said, ‘Is there not yet anyone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?’ And Ziba said to the king, ‘There is still a son of Jonathan who is crippled in both feet.’” (2 Samuel 9:3, NASB1995)

Ziba, a servant in Saul’s house, remembered a survivor, the crippled son of Jonathan, called Mephibosheth. Despite a tragic past, David sought out Mephibosheth and made him a promise — a place at the royal table. David responded out of joy and love for his friend, not guilt.

A Table Set for You

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NASB1995)

Jesus came to give us life abundantly. He put the story of David and Mephibosheth in the Bible so we can see the reflection of His heart. While we were sinners, Christ died for us. We were disabled by sin, unable to approach God. Yet, He brought us to Himself without us asking.

Now, those who believe in Jesus have an eternal seat at God’s table. That eternal seating starts now, and the life we live is for Jesus. Just as David sought out Mephibosheth, Jesus wants us to seek others as we live our lives for Him.

Sharing the Abundant Life

As you live life and choose to seek after God, take time to go and find another. Another person to speak the life-changing Good News of Jesus. This is not about guilt but about joy and love. Share the kindness of God, just as David did.

Here are 5 ways you can share the abundant life:

1. Reflect God’s Kindness: In your daily life, let the kindness you show be a reflection of God’s love, just as David sought to show kindness for Jonathan’s sake.
   

   “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NASB1995)

2. Seek the Overlooked: Like David sought Mephibosheth, actively look for those who may be overlooked or marginalized, and extend the invitation to share in the abundance of God’s love.
   

   “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” Matthew 25:40 (NASB1995)

3. Share the Gospel Joyfully: David’s joy in showing kindness can inspire us to share the Good News of Jesus joyfully. Approach others not out of obligation but out of genuine love.
   

   “Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NASB1995)

4. Embrace the Abundant Life: Recognize that, through Christ, you have a place at God’s eternal table. Live your life with the assurance that you are chosen and loved, just as Mephibosheth had a place at David’s table.
   

   “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (NASB1995)

5. Multiply the Joy: Actively engage in sharing the joy of God’s kindness by encouraging others to do the same. Multiply the joy by inspiring a chain reaction of kindness.
   

   “Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” Philippians 2:1-2 (NASB1995)

Your Table is Ready

As we sit at God’s table, let the joy of God’s kindness inspire you to seek out others. In sharing the love of Christ, you not only reflect the heart of God but also bring others to the eternal table of life. Remember, the abundant life Jesus offers is not meant to be hoarded but shared. So, go out, find another, and share the Good News of Jesus, for in doing so, you spread the joy that drives you to make others happy.