In another place on this site I have written about the little-known Old Testament character called Mephibosheth. (click here) He was a son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. I see in Mephibosheth a wonderful picture of grace. If you take time to read that four-part article you might note that I also saw a comparison between this man and the New Testament character we simply know as the 'prodigal son'.
Incidentally, if there are any preachers reading this article, let me tell you that the story of Mephibosheth has a great devotional application around the Communion Service. I would encourage you to ponder the fact that this crippled man was taken from LoDebar (the place of scarcity) to eat at the King's Table as though he was one of the King's own sons.
Anyway, getting back to the focus at hand. There is one feature about Mephibosheth that is mentioned at least 4 times in the text; he was crippled in both feet (2 Samuel 4/4; 9/1-13). That disability is what seems to have defined him. Other aspects are mentioned in passing but the writer appears to be most focused on Mephibosheth's physical limitation.
Recently I had the opportunity to preach in my home Church and I chose the story of Mephibosheth as our theme for that service. On our way home it suddenly occurred to me that there is another biblical character who suffered from the same physical disability - crippled in both feet. I refer to the account in Acts 3 of the lame man. In his case, he was born that way whereas Mephibosheth's condition was the result of an accident when he was just 5 years old.
As with the prodigal son, we don't know this man's name either.
Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o'clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. (Acts 3:1-3 NLT)
Given that the three major expressions of true faith among the Jews were Prayer, Fasting and the Giving of Alms, this man and/or his friends were pretty astute by placing him right in the way of those who were going to the 3.00pm prayer meeting. How could a person going up to pray ignore this beggar and still be serious about prayer? The lives of Peter and John and this man were about to intersect in a most unexpected manner.
Before I get to that intersection, I want to note that there were two very different outcomes for these men. Mephibosheth's situation was significantly improved. He experienced kindness from King David in an on-going way. Even so, he remained crippled and (I think) he was still referred to as "the kid who is crippled".
On the other hand, the beggar's situation in Acts 3 was dramatically changed; not just improved.
The very best that the beggar might hope for was some money to make life a bit easier. Maybe a new begging bowl or a new begging shawl. He had no idea what was about to happen.
When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, "Look at us!" The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting a gift. But Peter said, "I don't have any money for you".
What a let down! "I don't have any money for you...."
But I'll give you what I have.
I put myself into that situation and I wonder, "What else, other than money, could you possibly have that would interest me in the slightest?"
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and anklebones were healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. (Acts 3:6-8 NLT)
That's what else!! Not in his wildest dreams could he have ever imagined that such a day as this would come; a day in which he would jump up, stand on his feet, walk and leap. His wish list no longer included a new begging bowl because he was no longer a beggar.
There are some marked similarities between these two men. Equally, there are some noteworthy differences.
1. Mephibosheth was never healed. The lame man was healed instantly. I suggest that this is one of the differences between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. The Old Covenant was able to make one more 'comfortable' (so to speak) but it was powerless to accomplish lasting wholeness.
2. Mephibosheth went into the Palace to live with the King. The lame man went into the Temple to worship the King. I don't want to over-spiritualize this observation but it is a comparison that I personally find helpful. Mephibosheth was adopted into David's family and ate at the King's table as though he was one of the King's own sons. This is what I would call "Palace Living". The lame man, now healed of his disability, no longer sat on the precincts of the Temple - so near yet so far - but he entered into the fullness of "Temple Living".
3. Mephibosheth and the lame man were both recipients of grace. Mephibosheth received grace from King David. The lame man received grace from King Jesus.
The challenge is this: Grace is abundant and free. You and I can live our lives in Lo-Debar (the place of scarcity) and beg for bread or we can receive God's grace and enter into all that He provides for us.
