Mephiboshet

 Text: 2 Samuel 4:4 and 9: 6-13

      "Fear not for I will show you kindness."  
      These words were spoken by King David to Mephiboshet in the king’s chamber.  Mephiboshet was Jonathan's son, Saul's grandson.  Saul, the previous King of Israel, felt threatened by David's existence.  David was popular, fearless and visionary.  Saul, on the other hand, was jealous, myopic and terrified of his countless enemies- real or imagined. Saul was so xenophobic that he actually had assassins try to murder young David. 
     In time, Saul was killed in battle along with his son Jonathan.  When news of the king’s death became known, Saul's family became terrified that they were persona non grata to the new king, David.  They believed their lives were in danger.  They fled as soon as they heard news of Saul’s death, bringing only what their arms could carry at a moment’s notice.  

     The nurse of five-year-old Mephiboshet swept the boy up and ran.  In their anxiety to quickly leave, Mephiboshet fell and broke bones in both his legs.  The legs would never properly heal and Mephiboshet would remain helpless cripple for the rest of his life.
     Years later, King David found out that one of his best friend's  (Jonathan) sons was alive.  He ordered Mephiboshet brought before him.  The young man quivered and shook at the feet of the great king of Israel.  Mephiboshet believed he would be sentenced to death.  The eyes of the monarch grew moist at the sight of this frightened, disabled figure lying before him.
      How often fear motivates our life!  Undoubtedly, Mephiboshet spent years dreading the moment when he would have to face King David.  He probably imagined the terrible things that would happen to him when the king finally caught up with him.  The moment came and nothing happened as he imagined.  The king was benevolent and loving instead of being full of vim and resentment.
     Have you ever been wrong in judging someone?  It happens often. We misjudge a person or an event.  Fear takes over where faith ought to have kept us sure.  Hopelessness is not reality: it is an emotion.  It is the way we feel.  There is no situation which is utterly hopeless, even death.  For every situation we face hopelessness has no basis in realty. 
     Face your fears. You will find they are often "paper tigers" with no substance behind them.  Above all, remember David's words which echo the Divine message from Above, "Fear not for I will show you kindness."