Rev. David Holwick ZL
First Baptist Church
Ledgewood, New Jersey
November 23, 1997
2 Samuel 9
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I. A special family dinner.
A. Never underestimate the power of what can happen at the family
table.
As an act of kindness, Bo had been invited to spend the
traditional dinner at a rich family's home.
He had heard about this wealthy family but had never had any
reason to make their acquaintance.
Although it was to be a thanksgiving meal, Bo wasn't feeling
all that thankful.
Frankly, he felt awkward about going, and he wondered why he
had accepted the invitation.
He wouldn't know a soul there.
What would they talk about?
And what about his special needs?
Would they understand?
His appearance would no doubt be a source of embarrassment.
But he had nothing else to wear.
Bo rehearsed in his head a hundred and one reasons why he should
not go, but he knew it was an invitation he had to accept.
He alone knew why.
Bo had tasted his share of suffering.
Forced to swallow incredible hardships as a child, he learned
early on how to be a a survivor.
He was just a baby when he suffered a tragic fall that left him
permanently disabled ... crippled in both legs.
When he was still a child, both his father and grandfather were
killed in a conflict in the Middle East.
And while his family grieved, they were forced to leave their
lavish home and trade it for a ghetto-like lean-to.
Because his grandfather had held a place of prominence in the
Israeli government, the boy's family became political fugitives.
They were resettled in an obscure town, isolated from their
wealth and reputation.
It was there Bo learned to crawl and limp.
It was here he grew, married, and fathered a son of his own.
As he watched his little boy grow and develop normally with
straight, sturdy legs, Bo was reminded of his harsh childhood.
His history and handicap held Bo hostage in a self-made prison
of regrets and bitterness.
And then one unsuspecting day Bo received a letter that changed
the course of his life.
It was an invitation to a state dinner.
He was to be the guest of the Israeli government in Jerusalem.
Why him? Why now?
What could possibly be the reason?
Was it a gesture of peace?
Would he eventually be sorry he had accepted the invitation?
Bo continued to ponder the WHYS and HOW COMES of this most
unlikely luck of the draw as he was chauffeured to the royal
residence of Israel's chief executive.
Entering the palatial dining room, Bo blushed self-consciously.
He bowed humbly before his host.
Bo dragged his gnarled ankles underneath the ornate cedar table.
"Mephibosheth!" his host called.
Bo became nervous, unaccustomed to being called by his full
name.
"Don't be afraid," the voice continued, "for I will surely show
you kindness for the sake of your father, Jonathan.
I will restore all the land that belonged to your grandfather
Saul, and you will always eat at my table." 2 Sam 9:7
A tear ran down Bo's cheek.
His body relaxed.
Reaching for the chalice in front of him, he raised it as an
offering of thanks.
The regrets and bitterness evaporated in the atmosphere of love
and acceptance in which he now found himself.
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B. Elements in this dramatic story:
1) A story of friendship, where King David shows love to his
best friend by taking in the friend's son.
a) In effect, Methibosheth was adopted into king's family.
b) God's love for Jesus results in our being adopted.
2) A story of grace, where a king reaches down to someone in
rags.
a) David's acceptance was unconditional.
b) This was better than the meal.
3) A story of bitterness giving way to gratitude.
a) Mephibosheth was crippled, both physically and
emotionally.
b) At David's table he found healing.
II. The power of the table.
A. The one holiday no one has ruined yet.
1) In many families, it is a rare time when everyone is around
a table and eats at the same time.
2) Make Thanksgiving a time of closeness to each other and God.
B. A place to express our thankfulness.
1) We come to a table of bounty and sumptuous food.
a) It will all be delicious and we will eat too much.
2) We should remember that we have it pretty good.
a) Mephibosheth and we know that most of the world is hungry.
b) Irish potato famine - relief evangelist gave a bisquit
to a starving girl, who wouldn't eat it because
she didn't want to hurt such a precious thing.
c) Gale Hull - on trips to Haiti she brings all her food.
3) It is a built-in opportunity to remember the goodness of God.
a) Should point us to God's unfailing love, and what he
does for us. Ps 107:8-9
b) Taking time to give thanks is important.
C. A place where we find our identity.
1) Family table is a place we belong.
a) "Cheers" pub. "You want to go where everybody knows
your name and they're always glad you came."
b) Welcome and security.
c) They really care (or at least, are supposed to).
2) Traditionally, all the generations get together .
D. A place where faith can be kindled.
1) Tables can be a means of nurturing the faith of those we love.
a) Mephibosheth's dad died when he was young, so David
would have been a spiritual example to him.
b) Opportunity for grandparents to share faith.
c) Make saying of grace a focal point, not a drudgery.
III. Some families don't have a Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving.
A. Holly Hunter movie - "Home for the Holidays."
1) Dysfunctional family...
2) Everyone comes, everyone hates it.
B. We don't have to be a prisoner to memories of the past.
1) Break the cycle and start over.
C. Shape how your children will remember their time at home.
1) Comedian Steve Allen told his young boys every night
as he tucked them into bed,
"Remember, fellas - just in case somebody asks you someday -
you are having a wonderful childhood!"
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2) Make Thanksgiving / holiday memories that are meaningful.
IV. We can always come to God's table.
A. Jesus had some of his most powerful moments at dinners.
1) He taught his disciples, with words and actions.
a) (Last Supper)
2) Women were overcome with gratitude for forgiveness.
3) Heart-broken disciples recognized their resurrected Lord.
B. The best is yet to come.
1) Banquet of Messiah in Millennial Kingdom.
a) All believers will have a seat.
2) You are each invited.
a) It is not just for popular people.
b) (They may have a hard time getting in!)
C. Have you accepted the invitation?
1) Thank him for his love and provision.
2) Live in a way he would welcome.
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Adapted from Advent Spiritual Adventure, Pre Advent sermon 2, by
Greg Asimakoupoulos
Copyright © 2024 by Rev. David Holwick
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