Have you ever asked yourself what grace really is? Is it a random act of kindness? Is it love, peace, patience, or any of the other fruits of the spirit?
Well after reading this chapter I discovered something more. Grace is more than any of the above. Grace is like the example used in the book. It's simply a humbling yourself to help those around you. Of course, we all know Christ died on the cross for us, and although that is a GREAT example of grace, it's not one that hits home the most.
In the book of 2 Samuel chapter 9 there is a brief story of Mephibosheth. Now for those of you who don't know who he is, Mephibosheth is the grandson of King Saul. Now when David came to power, Saul and his family retreated out of fear, they all died (in different manners), that is all but Mephibosheth. He was hidden and his named changed. Basically he was in a witness protection program. Well David felt such remorse (some would say guilt) over the whole situation with Saul. It's of my opinion David felt a great deal of compassion and gratitude for Saul's family. If it wasn't for them and the events that had transpired, David would not be in his position of leadership. So, David sends out people to search out any remaining descendants of Saul. Guess who they end up finding, that's right Mephibosheth.
Now Mephibosheth was freaked out, he thought he was about to pay for his family, almost as if he was related to the Mafia. But as it turns out David was preparing a great feast in his honor. Now for the king to have a feast in your honor, was as about the highest honor you could ever possible think of having. While at the feast David won't allow anyone to eat until Mephibosheth arrives. I need to go back, I forgot to mention that during his escape, Mephibosheth broke both his legs and they never healed correctly, so now he's pretty much stuck in a wheelchair. Mephibosheth arrives and David "sings" his praise. Mephibosheth becomes a permanent fixture at the table and has many more a meals with the king and his court.
Now in this story Mephibosheth represents us. No matter what we do by ourselves, we are always going to be crippled. We can never fully amount to what God expects of us. David represents Christ, without Him we would never be recognized or healed. It's because of Him and His sacrifice that we are able to sit at the table and take part of the great feast! That's what grace is. It's taking yourself and lowering yourself so that others can achieve their full greatness! Without grace, nothing else was/is possible!
*Special Note - you pronounce his name as Me-fib-o-sheth.
At the beginning of this post I said grace was simple. What I meant was that was a simple example. Grace is anything but simple. Grace is hard, it's the hardest thing that's ever been done for us.
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