An Invitation to the King’s Table
My husband found the postcard first; it was wedged sideways in our front doorframe. A friend was planning a gathering at her home—and I was invited. When I read the words “IF:Table” on the invitation, I was excited. IF:Table is a movement that encourages women to open their homes so that other women can gather at their table, break bread together, and share their hearts and answers to spiritual questions. I couldn’t RSVP fast enough.
In 2 Samuel 9, we find another invitation—this time from a king. In honor of the covenant made between him and his loyal friend Jonathan, son of Saul, King David inquired if anyone was left in the house of Saul that he could bless with the kindness of God.
Ziba, a servant in the house of Saul, was brought to David and told him there was a son of Jonathan’s, Mephibosheth, who was lame and still living there. David sent for Mephibosheth and not only invited him to dine at his table always, as if his own son, but also restored to Mephibosheth all that belonged to his grandfather Saul. Mephibosheth had a young son, Mica, who was likewise blessed by this kindness of God.
All this was quite astonishing to Mephibosheth, as he felt unworthy of such a place of honor. It was customary for a new king to put to death all descendants of former kings to avoid rival claims to the throne. Yet David showed Mephibosheth the love, mercy, and kindness of God.
I think we can all relate to having felt unworthy of God’s grace and mercy. Yet while we were still sinners, our Savior gave His life for us, bringing restoration, an eternal seat at the King’s table, and the right to be called children of God.
Just as David invited Mephibosheth to his table to honor his friend, and my friend invited me to her table to honor the Lord, the Lord Himself invites us to His table to gather as a family.
It will be a glorious day when we physically arrive at the Lord’s table. But first, He calls us to fill our earthly tables with those He puts on our hearts and places in our paths.
Our true King has sent for us—He leaves the invitation at the doors of our hearts. He not only delights in our acceptance of the invitation to His table but also in our willingness to invite others to join us there, too.
May we honor the Lord by opening our homes and extending biblical hospitality. We never know how God will change hearts and transform lives, even through a simple meal and an invitation for someone to share their story.
“And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.’” (Luke 14:23, ESV)