Friday, January 05, 2007

Broken and Unworthy

As the songs in my iTune library were shuffling through, and while I was eating lunch, the song "Carried to the table" by Leeland came on. Being one of my favorite songs, I put it on repeat, and it got me thinking. I had heard this song was based on 2 Samuel 9, but I really wanted to dig into it.

Wounded and forsaken,I was shattered by the fall
Broken and forgotten, feeling lost and all alone
Summoned by the King, into the master's courts
Lifted by the Saviour, and craddled in his arms

I was carried to the table, seated where I don't belong
Carried to the table, swept away by his love.
And I don't see my brokenness anymore, when I'm seated at the table of the Lord
I'm carried to the table, the table of the Lord

Fighting thoughts of fear, wondering why he called my name
Am I good enough to share this cup, this world has left me lame
Even in my weakness, the Saviour called my name
In his holy presence I am healed and unashames

As I am carried to the table, seated where I don't belong
Carried to the table, swept away by his love
And I don't see my brokenness anymore, when I'm seated at the table of the Lord
I'm carried to the table, the table of the Lord

You carried me.
You carried me my God. You carried me.

After reading 5 versions and a commentary, I picked up some really interesting things.
David was searching for a descendant of Saul so that he could show him some kindness in honour of Jonathan.
One of Saul's servants named Ziba happened to be there, and to David's question, he replied, I imagine almost reluctantly: "well yes, there is one. Jonathan's son, but he is lame in both feet."
David was quick to ask where he was and without losing any time he sent for him.
When Mephibosheth (also known as Meribaal) arrived he fell to his knees, in fear, and said "I am your servant".
David told him not to be afraid, but that he wanted to return all of Saul's land to him and that Ziba (and all his family and servants) would be working for him.
Mephibosheth was so astounded he asked David, "Who am I that you pay attention to a stray dog like me?"

I think this is a real testament to what my life is like with Jesus.
"Who am I that he should pay attention to this wreck?"

In the notes in my bible, I found something I though was really interesting. It voices what I feel
"Mephiboseth was afraid to visit the king, who wanted to treat him like a prince. Although Mephiboseth feared for his life and may have felt unworthy, that didn't mean he should refuse David's gifts. When God graciously offers us forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven, we may feel unworthy, but we will receive these gifts if we accept them. A reception even warmer than the one David gave Mephibosheth waits for all who receive God's gifts through trusting Jesus Christ, not because we deserve it, but because of God's promise (Ephesians 2:8,9)"

And then I was reading a commentary on this passage, and this was written, and it really touched me:
"As David was a type of Christ, his Lord and Son, his Root and Offspring, let his kindness to Mephibosheth remind us of the kindness and love of God our Saviour to fallen man, to whom he was under no obligation, as David was to Jonathan. The Son of God seeks this lost and ruined race, who sought not after him. He comes to seek and to save them!"

I guess I have felt like I have been called to the table, unworthy, fallen, broken, and I come time and time again, and he keeps inviting me back, accepting me back. And when I am seated at the table I don't see my brokeness anymore.