“…Is anyone still alive from Saul’s family? If so, I want to show God’s kindness to them.” 2 Samuel 9:3
The story from 2 Samuel tells of King David’s desire to show kindness to Saul’s family on behalf of Jonathan. Jonathan and David had a remarkable friendship. When King David asked his servant if anyone was left of Saul’s family, the servant responded, “Yes, one of Jonathan’s sons is still alive. He is crippled in both feet.” Would this disability disqualify Mephibosheth (Jonathan’s son) from receiving God’s kindness through David?
The answer is NO! When David met with Mephibosheth, he said, “I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that
once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the King’s table!”
In Haiti, among many other places in the world, it is common that disabilities are looked upon as a major disadvantage. The disabilities seen throughout Haiti can be intimidating and difficult to care for with limited resources. Unfortunately, they often can and do disqualify people.
“…but Mephibosheth, your Master’s grandson, will eat here at my table.”
This story in 2 Samuel is such a beautiful display of God’s heart for the seemingly disadvantaged and disabled. It is a story of the God who sees and extends His kindness to the Mephibosheths who would otherwise be overlooked and discounted.
It has been said that the Coreluv Children’s Village | Myan would be a home for the Mephibosheths; a home that would welcome the disabled, the abandoned, and the ones with no such hope. Since the Coreluv Children’s Village | Myan opened in March 2014, there is no question it is a home for the Mephibosheths. Many disabilities are represented among the 71 children God has entrusted to Coreluv.
While the need is great and can be overwhelming at times, God continues to show His kindness to these children through His provision and Coreluv’s incredible Haitian staff. Each child is receiving physical therapy and the special attention that is needed. God sets the lonely in families, and we are so thankful God placed children such as Poutchino, Patrico, Brenda, and Jamesly in the Coreluv family.
My favorite line throughout this story is this: “And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly at David’s table, like one of the king’s own sons.”
This was not a one-time occurrence of God’s kindness. This was love and honor in action. Mephibosheth was welcomed with open arms and ate regularly at the King’s table. That is the heart of God. His heart of God. His heart is to welcome the forgotten, the lonely, the widow, the poor, and the orphan to come and eat at His table regularly. All are welcome.
Honored to Defend the Orphan,
Ashlynn Minshew