Is life a comedy or a tragedy? Are we the hero or the victim? Or maybe the villain? Is the world descending into chaos and dystopia or are we on a path of ever-increasing prosperity and progress? The stories we tell orient us to our place in the world and our role in the story.
The Bible tells the story of a loving God and a messy people. There is a beginning and an end. Major themes of creation, redemption, and sanctification trace the arc of this grand narrative. And Jesus Christ is the center of it all – the great hero of the story who comes incognito to rescue and redeem his broken creation.
Invocation
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation
O Lord, your scars are your trophies, proof of your unfailing love for me. I am haunted by the guilt of my past, the sins of my present, and my fear of the future. Lord, at the cross you said, “It is finished.” So I stop my worry. I rest in you. You have done it all. Amen.
Confession
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Lord, forgive my fugitive ways. I turn and run from you. Forgive my criminal acts of hypocrisy and self-righteousness. Forgive my violations of arrogance and selfishness. Forgive me for denying you, ignoring you, and disregarding you. I am the one at fault. I have no other help but to turn my face to you and plead, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Word: 2 Samuel 9:1
“Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”
Meditation: Promises Kept by Susan Senechal
We last saw Mephibosheth (Bo for short) when he was dropped by his nursemaid at age 5. We next hear of him a few Biblical chapters, but many years later. David’s kingship is now firmly established. (In fact, we know many years have passed, since Bo now has his own young son (see 2 Samuel 9:12).
I’m not sure what brings the years-old covenant to mind, but one day David asks the question “Is there anyone left from my friend Jonathan’s family? I made a promise years ago”
I don’t know how your memory is, but I have a hard time remembering what I promised yesterday, let alone 20 years ago. I’d like to say I’m a person who keeps her word, but I know I often fail. And surely there is a statute of limitations on a 20 year old promise? And who would know anyway? Only two people were present when the promise was made, and one of them is dead. But somehow, the promise that he made so many years ago comes back to mind, and David must act. And what joy I assume David feels when he finds out there is indeed a way to keep the covenant and repay the kindness from so many years ago. And so he sends for Bo.
But now I picture the story from Bo’s shoes. For years he has kept a low profile, hoping no one would remember that Saul had another descendent, an heir to his throne. His birthright could get him killed. He wants to be anonymous. Then one day a knock on his door, and a summons to the king’s home. There’s no reason for him not to think his head is about to be on a chopping block; his lineage is finally catching up with him. He arrives at David’s home, bowing down. In my mind he’s not so much bowing down, but laying flat on the ground, begging the king for mercy. And the king’s first words to him are, “Don’t be afraid” (2 Sam 9:7).
Oh, that when we think on our pasts, and even all the dreadful things, all the mistakes we’ve made, all the things we wish weren’t associated with, we would hear and claim the word’s “fear not.” There’s no reason to hide who we once were, because all that matters is a promise of love and faithfulness.
The Samaritan woman at the well in John Chapter 4 knew this feeling. When she met Jesus, she was living a life of shame and defeat. But then she met Jesus, and she knew that who she is and what she has done is not important. She has met the Messiah. To the people who knew her past she says, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” (John 4:29). And we are told, “Many of the Samaritans from the town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony” (v. 39).
Dear Jesus, you know us, and yet you love us. You know our past, but you remember our sins no more. And in your love, you offer us grace upon grace, and a life and a place with you. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
Benediction
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Heb. 13:20-21)