In II Samuel 9:1-8, we read of a little guy with a big, big name. His name was Mephibosheth.

I don't know why they didn't just name him Billy Bob, but he was named Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth was the grandson of King Saul of Israel and the son of Jonathan.

Saul and Jonathan had both been killed and while Mephibosheth's nurse was fleeing from the city, she fell and Mephibosheth became crippled. He was taken to live in obscurity in a very desolate, poverty-stricken place called Lodebar. Lodebar means &#8220no pasture.”

By now, David was the King of Israel and he began to inquire as to whether there were any of Jonathan's family members still living. When he was told of Mephibosheth, he sent for him to come that he might show his kindness and respect to his best friend's son.

Mephibosheth was fearful for his very life, since his father and grandfather had already been killed, but as he stands before King David, he is offered all the land that King Saul once owned and free course of the palace where David now lived.

This was almost incomprehensible to Mephibosheth. He had been living in poverty in Lodebar and had become accustomed to having nothing. No friends, no family, none of the necessities and no hope of ever getting any better.

Mephibosheth had been living beneath his privileges. He was living &#8220under the circumstances.”

He probably felt like nothing good was ever going to happen to him. What a difference a day can make. Mephibosheth just cannot believe all this is happening to him. He is now feasting at the King's table. He has been made part of the family.

Maybe you have had some misfortune in your life and you feel like you've been living in Lodebar. Maybe you have made some mistakes and are living with guilt and shame of your past.

You probably feel like you're never going to get any better, but God's word has good news for you. You don't have to stay where you are. You don't have to eat the crumbs from the King's table. You don't have to live in fear and doubt and worry. God has a better life to offer you.

Jesus said that He came that we might have life, and not only life, but life more abundantly. And the great thing about this abundant life is this - it's already bought and paid for. Jesus paid it all on Calvary when He shed His life's blood for the sins of the whole world.

All this may sound too good to be true. You may be wondering, &#8220what must I do to be saved?” Maybe you've been where you are so long, you don't think you can ever be delivered, but God made it easy and He made it simple.

Since He has already done it all and declared that &#8220it is finished,” all we must do is believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.

There is hope for us all. There is forgiveness for you and me. Our ticket to heaven has already been purchased. Jesus has already gone to prepare a place for us to live for all eternity.

Not only do we have a heavenly home awaiting us when we leave this world, but we can enjoy the journey as we live each day in this world. Free from guilt and condemnation.

Knowing God is our father, Jesus Christ is our elder brother, and the Holy Spirit is our comforter makes life worth living.

Have you trusted Jesus as your personal savior? Or are you still living in Lodebar?

Are you living the abundant life or are you still living beneath your privileges? Are you consumed with doubts and fears or have you cast your burden upon the Lord, knowing that He cares for you

I hope you will trust Him today and start living the abundant life in the presence of the King.

Dale E. Maddy is the senior pastor at Carter Avenue Community Church in Ashland, Ky.

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