God's Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy

One of my favorite stories in the Old Testament is found in 2 Samuel 9. It is the story of Mephibosheth (pronounced Me-phib-o-sheth).

David is now king of Israel and has defeated his enemies. He is sitting on his throne thinking about his best friend Jonathan that had died. He remembered what they'd promised each other and asked if there was anyone remaining of Jonathan's family that he could show kindness to.

2 Samuel 9:3 The king asked, “Is there no one still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?” Ziba answered the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in both feet.”

In the usual worldly way Ziba answers with a, "yes, but..." comment. Yes, but he's crippled in both feet. Ziba was in essence saying, "Yes, but you don't want some cripple walking around the castle oh, king. He's not good enough for us."

But David didn't ask about the condition of his best friend's family. He just wanted to know if there was someone surviving that he could be kind to.

God does not ask if we are worthy to been shown kindness to. The answer to that question is no. No person on this planet is worthy of the kindness of the King of Heaven and yet in His grace and according to His covenant promise, He welcomes spiritually crippled people into his family.

Ziba went and took the Good News to Mephibosheth that king David had invited him to come and return to the palace and be a part of the king's family.

David didn't make him the court jester or make a spectacle of his condition. He didn't talk about it. Instead he made Mephibosheth a family member.

2 Samuel 9:11 ...So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons.

God does the same with those of us who receive His offer of grace. We are made His children and he does not talk about our sin. It is covered and forgiven. The conversation in heaven about the redeemed in Christ revolves around what the King has done to bring healing and hope to those who believe. Those of us who have humbly come to live under the King's authority as His adopted children are given eternal life in Him. We are made heirs that call on God as our "Abba" - Daddy.

Romans 8:15–16 (NIV) — 15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.