A Seat at the Table: Thanking God and Reflecting on His Love

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”

–1 John 3:1

King David did something unusual during his reign. In 2 Samuel chapter 9, David chose to show kindness to any living relative of Saul’s family. This was unusual because Saul, the previous king, hunted David, tried to kill him, and ignored God’s prophecy that David would be the next king. Yet, David decided to show kindness to Saul’s family because of a promise he made to his former friend Jonathan, Saul’s son.

David’s decision led him restore Saul’s land to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. He also invited Mephibosheth to dine at his table as if he were one of his own children. Through David’s one act of kindness, Mephibosheth went from living as a fugitive, hiding from the king, to sitting at the king’s table as an honored guest. 

A Greater Kindness: The Father’s Invitation

David’s act of kindness points to an even greater act of kindness—Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross. According to Galatians 4:5, Jesus purchased our sonship through His death, gifting us the right to become God’s children. Just as David extended an invitation to Mephibosheth to dine at his table, we have also received such an invitation. Through Jesus, we are able to come before the Father as His children and have full access to Him. 

In 1 John Chapter 3, we are reminded of this incredible truth. Verse 1 states, “see what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” This verse affirms that we are loved as God’s children.

God’s Children Receive a Seat at God’s Table

When was the last time you stopped to marvel at this incredible truth? Jesus loves you, and He was willing to die for you on the cross. This truth is something that we can all be thankful for! His sacrifice purchased eternal life and a place for you in God’s family. Because of Jesus, we now have a seat at God’s table!

Let’s Pray

Father, thank you for giving me a seat at your table. I am grateful for Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross, which provided what I could never earn—a relationship with you. Help me to live in gratitude and honor this truth daily. Guide me by your Spirit to reflect your love and grace to others. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Conclusion

King David’s invitation to Mephibosheth beautifully reflects God’s invitation to us. Just like Mephibosheth, we were separated from our King and unworthy to be in His presence. Thankfully, Jesus’s sacrificial act of love and grace restored our relationship with God and our heavenly inheritance. We can now confidently take our seat at God’s table as His beloved sons and daughters.