A Place at the King's Table: Finding Honor in Unexpected Grace

From the sermon November 30, 2025

A Place at the King's Table: Finding Honor in Unexpected Grace
There's something profoundly moving about the concept of being invited to dine with royalty when you have absolutely nothing to offer in return. Throughout history, tables have represented more than just places to eat—they symbolize acceptance, belonging, and covenant. When we examine the story of David and Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9, we discover a beautiful picture of grace that mirrors our own relationship with the King of Kings.

The Man After God's Own Heart
David's life offers one of the most complete portraits of any biblical character. From shepherd boy to giant-slayer to king, his journey is marked by an extraordinary quality that set him apart: he was called "a man after God's own heart." This wasn't a title David wore as a badge of honor or used to elevate himself above others. Instead, it was a divine recognition of his character—his priorities, his respect for God's authority, and his commitment to honoring those whom God had anointed.
What makes this designation even more remarkable is that it endured. Hundreds of years later, the Apostle Paul would still describe David using these same words, declaring that God "raised up David to be their king, concerning whom he also testified and said, 'I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who will do my will.'"

The Spirit's Mighty Presence
When Samuel anointed David as the future king of Israel, something extraordinary happened: "The Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward." That word "mightily" carries weight. This wasn't a fleeting moment of inspiration or a temporary boost of courage. The Spirit's presence on David was powerful, enduring, and transformative.
This mighty anointing explains David's boldness in facing Goliath. While seasoned soldiers cowered before the Philistine giant, a young shepherd boy saw only an opportunity to defend God's honor. Armed with nothing but a sling, five smooth stones, and the Spirit of God, David stepped onto the battlefield with unshakeable confidence.

The Test of Honor
Perhaps the most revealing aspect of David's character emerged in how he treated King Saul—the man who repeatedly tried to kill him. Despite having multiple opportunities to end Saul's life and claim the throne that had already been promised to him, David refused. His reasoning was consistent and unwavering: "I will not stretch out my hand against the Lord's anointed."
Imagine the scene: David and his men discover Saul sleeping in a cave, completely vulnerable. David's companions urge him to seize the moment. "God has delivered your enemy into your hand," they insist. But David's response reveals the depth of his reverence for God's authority. He cuts off a piece of Saul's robe as proof that he could have killed him, but his conscience is immediately troubled even by this small act.
Later, David calls out to Saul: "See the edge of your robe in my hand? For in that I cut off the edge of your robe, and I did not kill you. Know and perceive that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands, and I have not sinned against you, though you are lying in wait for my life to take it."
This wasn't weakness—it was profound spiritual strength. David understood something crucial: vengeance belongs to God, not to us. Even when someone is clearly in the wrong, even when we have the power and opportunity to strike back, honoring God's authority matters more than satisfying our desire for justice.

The Power of Influence
An often-overlooked detail in David's story is how his character affected those around him. The men who followed David through the wilderness initially wanted Saul dead. They were tired, frustrated, and ready for their ordeal to end. But over time, David's example transformed them.
When news of Saul's death reached David's camp, he tore his clothes in grief—and his men did the same. These battle-hardened warriors who once urged David to kill Saul now mourned alongside him. They had become a reflection of David's heart.
This speaks powerfully to our own influence. When we remain faithful to God's principles, when we choose honor over revenge and respect over retaliation, those closest to us are watching and learning. Our commitment to godly character shapes the spiritual atmosphere around us.

The Crippled Son
Years after Saul's death, when David was firmly established as king, he asked a question that would have seemed strange to any observer of ancient politics: "Is there anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?"
In the brutal world of ancient kingdoms, new rulers typically eliminated any potential rivals from the previous dynasty. It was expected. It was protocol. So when Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, was summoned to appear before King David, he must have assumed his end had come.
But Mephibosheth had another problem beyond his royal lineage: he was crippled in both feet. As a five-year-old, when news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths arrived, his nurse had grabbed him to flee. In her panic, she dropped him, and his feet were permanently damaged. In a world without modern medicine, this meant Mephibosheth would never walk normally again.
He was vulnerable, disabled, and connected to a fallen dynasty. He had every reason to fear David's summons. When he arrived and fell on his face before the king, he probably expected execution.
Instead, he received an invitation.

The Invitation That Changes Everything
David's words to Mephibosheth echo across the centuries with grace: "Do not fear, for I will surely show kindness to you for the sake of your father Jonathan, and will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you shall eat at my table regularly."
Mephibosheth's response reveals his astonishment: "What is your servant that you should regard a dead dog like me?"
But David was insistent. This wasn't a one-time charitable gesture. Mephibosheth would eat at the king's table regularly—as one of the king's own sons.

Our Place at the Table
Here's where this ancient story becomes intensely personal. Each of us is Mephibosheth.
We are crippled by sin, unable to stand on our own merit before the King of Kings. We have nothing to offer, no claim to make, no right to approach the throne. Like Mephibosheth, we might see ourselves as "dead dogs"—unworthy, broken, and without hope.
Yet the King has set a place for us at His table.
While we were still crippled in sin, while we were still enemies, Christ died for us. The invitation isn't based on our worthiness but on His grace. It's not about what we can bring to the table but about the love of the One who invites us.
There's a beautiful old hymn that captures this truth: "All things are ready, come to the feast. Come for the door is open wide. A place of honor is reserved for you at the Master's side."
The invitation is extended to "whosoever will." Not to the perfect, not to those who have it all together, not to those who can earn their way. The invitation is for anyone who recognizes their need and accepts the King's grace.

Responding to Grace
David's treatment of Mephibosheth wasn't just kindness—it was covenant love, the same kind of love God extends to us. And just as Mephibosheth had to accept David's invitation and come to the table, we too must respond to God's grace.
The question isn't whether we're worthy. We're not, and we never will be on our own merit. The question is whether we'll accept the invitation, whether we'll humble ourselves before the King and take our place at His table.
There's no better time than right now. Whatever weighs heavy on your heart, whatever brokenness you carry, whatever past defines you—the King has set a place for you. Don't leave without accepting the invitation.
The table is ready. The King is waiting. Your place of honor has been reserved.
Will you come?