Dropped but Not Forgotten – Greg Laurie Devotion – March 11, 2026

Biblical Context

The book of 2 Samuel tells us about David’s reign, a key time in Israel’s history. It comes right after 1 Samuel, where King Saul dies and David is finally made king over all Israel. David is now secure on his throne, having united the tribes and established Jerusalem as his capital. The story of Mephibosheth shows us David’s character as a king and God’s faithfulness at work. It’s a look at how David kept his word, even to the family of a former enemy, showing mercy and loyalty. It also makes clear how God uses people to carry out His plans and share His compassion with others.

Key Word Study

The key word we’re going to look at today comes from David’s question: “Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive—anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1 NLT). In Hebrew, this word is hesed (חֶסֶד). It’s so much more than just a nice feeling. Hesed means a deep, loyal love and faithfulness that keeps a covenant or a promise.

It’s an active, committed love that goes beyond what’s expected. It’s about sticking with someone, especially when they really need you, because of a strong bond or a promise. This kind of kindness is strong and steady; it doesn’t give up, and it reflects God’s own character.

The Story of Mephibosheth: Picked Up by God

The story of Mephibosheth starts with a deep tragedy, but it opens the door to amazing grace. Mephibosheth was only five years old when his father, Jonathan, and his grandfather, Saul, were killed on the battlefield. Can you imagine life as he had known it up to that point? He was a prince, living a pampered life, enjoying the palace with people waiting on him hand and foot. His dad, Jonathan, was a godly man, and Mephibosheth enjoyed the further blessing of being raised by him. Life was good for this young boy, full of privilege and promise.

But there were dark clouds gathering in his world. In one moment, through no fault of his own, his entire life would change forever. His father, Jonathan, anticipated that things were going to change. That’s why he talked David into making an agreement: David would look out for Jonathan’s family after he was gone. Jonathan made David promise to show kindness to his family forever. David willingly made that promise, and he definitely kept it.

Then, the terrible news hit the palace. Saul and Jonathan were dead on the battlefield. The nurse who was caring for Mephibosheth panicked. In her frenzied state, she grabbed the little boy to flee, but she dropped him on the ground. This terrible accident left him crippled for life.

When You’ve Been Dropped

Perhaps you’ve gone through hardships in your childhood. Maybe something traumatic has happened to you. Maybe you’ve been “dropped” in life, so to speak. You might wonder if anything good can come out of your life after all that. The answer is a loud yes—all thanks to God’s love, His warm care, and His mercy.

Mephibosheth was dropped in life, but God stepped in. In fact, God is really good at taking people who have been dropped and picking them up again. God put it on David’s heart to ask, “Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive—anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1 NLT).

God’s Extraordinary Kindness

When David learned of Mephibosheth’s tough situation, he showed amazing kindness to this man who had suffered so much. Not only did David make sure that Mephibosheth was cared for and provided for, but he also made sure that his life had purpose and meaning. He gave Mephibosheth the land and servants that used to belong to his grandfather. And more than that, David invited Mephibosheth to eat at his own table. Through David, God picked up the one who had been dropped. And if you’ve been dropped, God will do the same for you. He wants to lift you up, give you worth, and put you in a place of honor.

This story from 2 Samuel 9 gives comfort to those who need it. But it also gives God’s people a challenge and a chance. Even though we aren’t bound by a promise like David was, we have a responsibility to reach out to people who are struggling. We get the chance to be God’s tools of love and warm care, to lift up those who have been dropped. Caring for someone who’s been “dropped” could mean a kind word, a helping hand, or simply being there for them. It’s about reflecting God’s heart to a world that really needs it.