It is often said that history repeats itself. There is a variation of this that goes “History doesn’t

repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” This quote is often attributed to Mark Twain who maybe didn’t

say it first (I think Twain is the internet’s default attribution for quotes).

Because history is driven by the people living it and human nature is broken, we should not be

surprised to see similar themes repeated. While current events can be sad, disappointing, and

even scary, they should not be surprising to us. The good news for us is that even as history

repeats, God’s love for this broken world remains constant.

In doing a little research for this week’s devotions that center on Mephibosheth, I experienced a

little bit of déjà vu. Full disclosure - I picked up bits and pieces of this concept in various places

and didn’t think all of it up myself. Let’s review Mephibosheth’s story in brief. Here’s what

happened early on:

Saul’s son Jonathan had a son whose feet were crippled. He was five years old when the

report about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. The one who had nursed him picked

him up and fled, but as she was hurrying to flee, he fell and became lame. His name was

Mephibosheth. (2 Samuel 4:4 HCSB)

And then later this happens to Mephibosheth:

“Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “since I intend to show you kindness because of

your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all your grandfather Saul’s fields, and you will

always eat meals at my table.” (2 Samuel 9:7 HCSB)

Mephibosheth was permanently injured and unable to fend for himself; but due to a gracious act

by David in honor of his love for Jonathan, Mephibosheth was saved.



And here is how history repeats itself. Like Mephibosheth, we have all been injured by a fall

(sin) and yet through faith in Christ, accepting His act of grace, we too will someday be invited to

eat at the King’s table.

When we despair of the brokenness around us (including in our own mirror), let’s give thanks

that He still sees each one of us and wants us to attend the feast.

By Mark Stuart