Hidden Gems

by Annie Yorty

Do you remember those kids’ magazines with hidden picture puzzles? You know, the ones that present a whole picture, but if you look closely, you delight in finding hidden gems concealed within the lines of the drawing.

The Bible’s Hidden Gems

Sometimes God slips hidden gems within bigger story lines in the Bible. That’s the way I see Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan. We find him hidden in the larger story of King David in the book of Second Samuel. His father, Jonathan, was King David’s best friend.

The friendship of David and Jonathan developed when David was a youth who played the harp to soothe the foul moods of Jonathan’s father, King Saul. Saul grew to despise David because God had rejected Saul and chose David to replace him as the leader of Israel. Despite this, Jonathan befriended David.

A New King

Years later, both Saul and Jonathan died in battle and David became the next king. When King Saul and Jonathan died, Mephibosheth was five years old. Customarily, a king who took over the throne from outside the family would execute anyone who remained in the bloodline of the prior king. Terrified, the lad’s nurse fled with him to protect him from possible harm. Along the way, a fall rendered him crippled for life.

A King’s Unusual Kindness

Nothing was heard of Mephibosheth for years until one day David asked, “Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive—anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake” (2 Samuel 9:1 NLT)? What an extraordinary question! But David was no ordinary king. With a heart like God’s, he desired to bless the child of his enemy.

After David’s grace-filled question, God reveals the hidden gem of a crippled man for our delight.

King David sent his servants to bring the disabled man into his presence. Now paralyzed both physically and with fear, Mephibosheth groveled before the king. He probably expected the worst.

God shows off a picture of Himself through David’s response. Years earlier, David had promised Jonathan to take care of his family. Now, to honor His heavenly Father, David kept that vow.

“Don’t be afraid!” David said. “I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!” (2 Samuel 9:7 NLT)

King David had no obligation to show kindness to King Saul’s grandson. Yet he drew him into the royal family and bestowed a familial inheritance upon him. While Mephibosheth would have been more than satisfied with that generous gift, David went a step further.

David made room for Mephibosheth at his dinner table.

With a place at the table, an outcast now dwelled within the king’s inner circle of belonging and protection.

Isn’t this hidden gem a picture of God’s heart toward us?

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. (Galatians 4:4-7 NLT)

Mephibosheth’s disability is an interesting layer in this story within a story. In their culture, much like ours today, people with disabilities were ostracized. Yet David elevated the status of this marginalized man. He didn’t just give him some land to live on. He didn’t just send food. No, he invited him into authentic friendship around his dinner table.

How does your life intersect with the story of Mephibosheth?

You’ve probably already figured out that we should consider ourselves to be like him.

We have a disabling condition called sin. King Jesus reached out and drew us into relationship with Him by sacrificing Himself on a cross to eradicate our sin. If we accept the gift of His sacrifice, He adopts us into His family and pulls out a chair for us at His table.

Most of us without physical or intellectual disabilities enjoy access to the table of society. We take for granted families, meaningful work, relationships, hobbies, transportation, church, and more. But even in the United States where we consider ourselves to hold progressive attitudes toward people with disabilities, most differently abled people live on the periphery. They struggle to find inclusion, respect, and friendship. They are often lonely. Those living on the inside rarely value their contributions to society.

Room at the Table

I recently contributed a story about my daughter, Alyssa, who has Down syndrome, to the book, Room at the Table: Encouraging Stories from Special Needs Families. You would rightly conclude that this book will hold special interest for anyone who knows or loves a person with disabilities. But I encourage you to read this book even if you’re not in that boat with me. You will come away with eyes and heart open to this impressive group of individuals.

Have you delighted in finding God’s message of belonging hidden like a gem sparkling within the epic story of King David?

If so, consider how you, like David, might look for someone who needs the kindness of the King. Think about extending a gracious invitation to someone with a disability who hovers on the perimeter to come and take a seat at your table.

Join the conversation:

What do you value about someone you know who is differently abled?

How could you include a person on the periphery in your inner circle?

I welcome your comments!

Copyright ©2022 Annie Yorty