pramsay posted on December 04, 2008 16:04 1716 views

Here’s What Makes Me Happy

Do you consider yourself a happy and contented Christian? Or are you always tripping over your lip about something? Are you satisfied or unsatisfied – always hoping for more? What is the source of your joy and contentment?

Mephibosheth’s life-long wonder was why King David ever spared him. Back then new kings always ‘eliminated’ the close relatives of predecessors to reduce the risk of a coup. But King David was different. He actively sought out the son of Jonathon, the grandson of King Saul in order to show him kindness and favor.

King David, in showing grace went above and beyond all standards of kindness. He showered Mephibosheth with multiple blessings of extensive property holdings and a daily seat at the King’s banquet table forever. Amazing grace! It makes me think about how God treats me because of Christ.

But then Absalom, King David’s own son staged a coup. Many people switched their allegiances to Absalom. A few remained loyal to the King. As the King fled, Mephibosheth’s servant Ziba met him with lots of goodies.

When the King asked about Mephibosheth, Ziba said: “Oh, he stayed in the royal city. He’s rubbing his hands with glee. He said that with you out of the way, he would finally get his grandfather’s throne back.” 

David said: “Well, if that’s the case, Ziba – all the blessings I originally gave to Mephibosheth, I am transferring to you.”

That was a nasty lie, Ziba!

Meanwhile – Mephibosheth stayed behind, broken hearted over the rebellion against his King David. “No, I am not cutting my toenails. No I am not washing my feet. I don’t care what I look like. I am in deep mourning over the King who is the center of my life. I will not trim my moustache nor will I comb my beard – ever again, until the King returns. I am not apologizing for my looks or for the fact that I stink – I refuse to wash my clothes. I am broken-hearted. I am in total grief over the loss of my King.”

When the coup failed, King David sternly asked Mephibosheth what he was up to and why he didn’t show his support earlier. “Why didn’t you come out to meet me when Ziba came?”

‘O King, you know I am physically challenged. I relied on Ziba to get the donkeys ready for me but he took off without me and then told you I was a traitor. Nothing could be further from the truth. O King, do whatever you want with me – as long as you know you’re like an angel of God to me. I never deserved anything from you but judgment. Instead you brought me to your own table!”

Upon hearing Mephibosheth’s side of the story, King David gave him back some of the blessings he had earlier transferred to Ziba. But here is Mephibosheth’s response:

And Mephibosheth said to the king,

“Let him (Ziba) even take it all,

since my lord the king has come safely to his own house.”

(2Samuel 19:30)

“O King, here’s what makes me happy: Y-O-U! Ziba can have it all. He can have the land holdings and the buildings and the servants. My source of contentment and joy is not found in those things – but rather in my relationship with the King Himself. I can lose it all but if I still have you then I have everything.”

What makes me happy today? What is the source of my joy? My King or something else?

Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.

Warmly in Christ

Peter Ramsay

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