2 Samuel 9-11 / John 15 / Psalm 119:49-64 / Proverbs 16:1-3
If you’ve followed my Word of the Week videos you know that as part of my process in choosing a word, there are times when I’ll read a potential word and think of a song. Today I’m thinking of a song after reading about David inviting Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth to eat at the king’s table for the rest of his life. Mephibosheth has been invited to the table.
Here are some of the lyrics from Leeland’s song Carried to the Table…
Summoned by the King into the Master’s courts
Lifted by the Savior and cradled 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
This song is beautiful. It speaks of us receiving a love we didn’t earn and don’t deserve just like Mephibosheth did not do anything to deserve the invitation to King David’s table (other than being the son of his friend Jonathan, who was like a brother). And now we have been made friends of Jesus, who is also said to be our brother.
Do you also notice that we are carried to the place we don’t belong? We didn’t do anything to gain this seat because Jesus paid the full price for our admission, not only to the King’s table, but into our inheritance in God’s Kingdom. What we have been given is a free gift!
So, when I read John 15:10 I understood through Holy Spirit that I do not “remain in God’s love” because I obey His commandments. If I disobey or sin, I’m not suddenly kicked out of the family. No, I’m still His. What I believe verse 10 is saying is this – if I obey God’s commandments, I will love God and others. That’s how I remain in His love. Look at verse 17 for proof of this perspective.
This is my command: Love each other.
This is why it’s so important to put scripture into proper context. In this case, if I looked at verses 9 and 10 alone, I would think I had to earn God’s love by my obedience. That is completely false. If I have to earn God’s love, why do I need the sacrifice of Jesus Christ? I could earn my own salvation. I could make myself right with God.
Myth busted.
To “remain in His love” is to choose to love God, others and yes, myself. Remain in His love by loving one another. In this the world will know we are His disciples (John 13:35)
