Display of Devotion

“And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.” 2 Samuel 19:24

Jesus is the Savior of the world.  Whether we choose to accept that or not, it is and always will be true.  He is the King of king’s and Lord of lords.  Christ’s rightful throne is the human heart.  When we serve Satan and ourselves, it is an insurgence against the risen king.  If you are not in fellowship with Christ and have not experience deliverance from sin.  It can be difficult to have or develop any devotion towards him.  However, if you have been saved from sin, and sanctified holy.  That love of the Savior reigning within drives the devotion.

Mephibosheth is one of those people in the Bible where you won’t find him unless you look for him.  Most likely, not many Sunday sermons or Bible lessons will be centered around Mephibosheth.  The son of Johnathan and grandson of Saul.  He was lame on his feet, and therefore without ability to provide for himself.  King David sought him out to do kindness to the household of Saul for Johnathan’s sake.  In mercy, David adopted Mephibosheth like a son.  When David’s own son Absalom, conspired against David and took the throne; David had to flee for his life.  Mephibosheth could not follow because of his condition and his unfaithful servant.  Therefore, he was left in the presence of Absalom.  David would eventually destroy Absalom and regain the kingdom.  Leaving Mephibosheth in an awkward position.  However, Mephibosheth’s love and devotion to the king was proven upon David’s return.  Mephibosheth had neither dressed, or trimmed his beard, or washed his clothes.  The king’s absence was so troubling to him that it was like his entire life was put on hold.  Even the little things, like daily hygiene, became secondary.  Mephibosheth’s display of devotion was apparent.  His love for king David, and his devotion to the king defied reason and logic.  It caused hazard to his life, and he potentially faced ridicule or even death.  Should Absalom had ever connected Mephibosheth’s devotion to the absent king it was likely he could have lost his life.  None of this mattered, he was so troubled by the absence of the king, that he gave himself over to his devotion.  Mourning the loss of the rightful king.  His love for a king that he was still in allegiance too, even though the king was no longer there in body was displayed in his actions.  The whole country was for Absalom, save one. 

Jesus is the Savior.  Weather we accept him or not; he is the Savior.  His rightful place is on the throne of our heart.  When we reject Him, we displace him, and the end for us is destruction.  However, we when confess, forsake, and invite Him into our hearts; he pours out his love.  The saving grace cements a love and devotion in our hearts.  This love drives our every display of devotion.  Reading his Word, praying to him, worshipping in church, giving to the poor, helping our neighbor, loving our enemy, denying ourselves, etc.  Our love for him is what drives us forward.  Our equilibrium of existence is tied to our Savior King.