The story of Mephibosheth

The Bible tells the story of a young man named Mephibosheth. Saul, the first king of Ancient Israel, was his grandfather and his father was Prince Jonathan. When Mephibosheth was a little boy, his grandfather and father fell in combat and the throne passed to a man named David whom God personally chose to rule. Afraid David would kill Mephibosheth to consolidate his power, Mephibosheth’s caretaker took him and fled Jerusalem. As Mephibosheth was running from the city, he tripped and shattered both his legs, permanently disabling him. Being a good and Godly man, King David let Mephibosheth live in peace. Many years later, after the chaos caused by the transfer of power had died down, King David sought out Mephibosheth. When Mephibosheth was brought before the king, David restored the land once belonging to Saul to him, provided him a household and servants to care for him and his land, and presented him with a standing invitation to dine at the king’s table regardless of his disability. By providing for Mephibosheth, King David honored a promise made to his best friend Jonathan, Mephibosheth’s father.

            The story of Mephibosheth is the story of my faith. I was born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare neuromuscular disease that causes my muscles to slowly waste away leaving me in state of physical weakness and bound to a power wheelchair. I take multiple medications to slow down the muscle decay, but their side effects are harsh. I see a multitude of physicians like a cardiologist, pulmonologist, neurologist, and endocrinologist. My parents provide for all my basic physical needs—the kind of needs people take for granted daily. They help me use the restroom, bathe, dress, eat, get in and out of bed, and drive. Many people see my wheelchair and treat me like a child or ignore me. The burden of Duchenne can be heavy, and I often become afflicted with depression and anxiety. I have not always chosen the healthiest ways to deal with the mental anguish caused by DMD and at times lash out at those closest to me. For this reason, I carry feelings of shame and guilt around with me.

            Yet, for all the suffering and pain, I have experienced love I am hardly worthy of. God, like King David sought out Mephibosheth, sought me out in love. He gave up his glory and power and became a human being—willingly experiencing the trials and tribulations of human life and death to identify with humanity and me personally. From childhood, I have felt an undeniable presence of love surrounding me and pursuing me. A presence that understands all my human frailties because he chose to become human. Like David invited Mephibosheth to share his table regardless of his disability, Jesus daily invites me into his presence regardless of DMD, depression, anxiety, and the mistakes of my past. He only sees my heart and the potential for transformation housed inside. Finally, Jesus, like David did for Mephibosheth, has provided me with people to care for my needs and love me unconditionally. My mother and father provide for my needs with little complaint and show me unconditional love when I lash out against them. When my parents need help, my sister, brother-in-law, and legions of friends show up without hesitation or expectation of anything in return. My strength is not physical, it is derived from the family and friends God has surrounded me with. I do not where my life journey will take me, but I know I am always welcome at the table of my God and King even after I breathe my last breath.