Un Perro Muerto Como Yo (A Dead Dog Like Me)

Do you know the story of Mephibosheth?

He was a living relative of the now deceased, previous king, Saul.

David, the new king, is from a completely different family—not related at all to Mephibosheth or Saul.

In those days, a living relative of the previous regime was seen as a threat to the throne… and would often be killed or exiled.

And, Mephibosheth already had a difficult life…

His family was broken as the result of tragedy.

An authority figure in his life gave him misinformation—causing him to live in fear.

He grew up poor and disadvantaged.

He was crippled.

Worst of all—he had low self-esteem and saw himself as worthless.

Yet, in spite of all these things, King David sought him out and welcomed him as family.

“I’ve asked you to come so that I can be kind to you… I will give you all the land that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you may live here at the palace.” (2 Samuel 9.7)

Mephibosheth was not expecting this show of kindness.

“Why would the king show such kindness to a dead dog like me?” (2 Samuel 9.8)

The image Mephibosheth had of himself: a dead dog.

Or in Spanish, un perro muerto.

Yikes!

But David didn’t see a dead dog.

He saw a person of great worth, a child of God, a member of the family.

“From that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly with David, as though he was one of his own sons.” (2 Samuel 9.11)

A few observations about this story:

1. David took the initiative to seek out and find the outsider.

2. David brought him to the palace—he didn’t leave Mephibosheth where he was.

3. David ignores the “un perro muerto como yo” comment; he restores dignity and worth instead.

4. David gives him a place at his table.

5. David receives him as family.

I know what it’s like to feel worthless and insignificant, like un perro muerto.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be like more like David…

A grace giver

Enlarging my circle of love

Welcoming those who feel like dead dogs as family to the table