I've always wanted to own a cafe'.  There's something about neighborhood folks and freinds stopping by for a fresh cup of coffee and a little fellowship.  But as God would have it - this is the one He has given me.  So grab your favorite blend and join me in fellowship in God's Word.
                                                     I hope you get a blessing!

                       In the presence of the King

Can you imagine being taken from your home and brought before the King?  Usually that was not a good thing, especially when it was a new King and you were related to the old King.  During this time of Israel's history that usually meant death.  The new King would search out all remaining members of the previous King's family and have them executed.  That's one way of ensuring there would be no uprising from a family member who may have been bent on getting revenge on the new King.  Kingdom takeovers were ususally very bloody - no voting going on here.  The one with the biggest army usually won.

But this new King was no ordinary King.  He was God's chosen King - King David.  All was good in Israel, the Ark of the Covenant had been brought back and after about 15 years on the run, David was now King over Israel.  He could have asked for the heads of all of Saul's remaining family members, after all he was King, but instead he shows mercy.

When David had Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, taken from his home and brought before him, Mephibosheth must have assumed the worst.  Why else would he be taken to the King?  He couldn't attempt to escape because he was crippled in both of his feet.  All he could do was comply with those who had come for him.

As he bowed before the King, most likely expecting the order for execution to be given, what joy must have flooded over him when he heard the King say "Do not be afraid, for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan." Kindness and mercy  is exactly what King David demonstrated toward Mephibosheth.  He returned to him all that was once his Grandfathers, King Saul, and he was given a place at the King's table for the rest of his life. 

Is there any wonder that God chose David to be King?  He must have looked into David's heart and saw that is was a heart of flesh.  Isn't that just like our Lord? 

That is exactly what our Lord has done for us.  He could have called for our utter destruction.  Instead, he is the one who was executed in our place and through his shed blood calls us into his presence.  And in His presence, he bestows onto us His mercy and loving kindness and gives us a place at this table for all eternity.

Lord, give me a heart like yours that I may show love and kindess on those around me.  Let my heart not be hardened by the circumstances of life but let it be a heart of flesh.  Give me a heart that is soft and loves mercy so others will be drawn to you.

Amen