We don’t know much about Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth. But we do know that his nurse dropped him at his birth and as a result his legs were deformed and crippled for life.

He was one helpless soul. Being Saul’s grandson his life was also in danger when David came to the throne. In those days it was the practice for new kings to secure their territory by exterminating any possible living heir of a previous dynasty. But that’s not what David was like. But, Saul’s family didn’t know that and they had hurried to escape Not understanding the gracious intentions of the new King. Verse 3 of chapter 9 of 2 Samuel says that David sought out Saul’s descendents “that I might show the kindness of God to him.”

Many commentators make an interesting comparison between us and Mephibosheth. We too were born to a king. But as a result of a fall we have lost the glory of our birthright and are unable to help ourselves.

I wonder if Paul is thinking about Mephibosheth when he writes about us. In Romans 5:6, he says, “When we were unable to help ourselves, at the right time, Christ died for us, although we were living against God.”

An unknown writer put these thoughts together:

•      When you are the neediest, He is the most sufficient.
•      When you are completely helpless, He is the most helpful.
•      When you feel totally dependent, He is absolutely dependable.
•      When you are the weakest, He is the most able.
•      When you are the most alone, He is intimately present.
•      When you feel you are the least, He is the greatest.
•      When you feel the most useless, He is preparing you.
•      When it is the darkest, He is the only Light you need.
•      When you feel the least secure, He is your Rock and Fortress.
•      When you are the most humble, He is most gracious.
•      When you can’t, He can.