Unsung Hero

II Samuel 9

When David's men found him, Mephibosheth was staying in the house of Machir, son of Ammiel, in Lodebar (meaning "no pasture"). To complete the picture of Mephib. as the sinner, he is hiding out from David/God in a desolate place.

Machir is just mentioned in passing here, but later we find him helping David when he flees from Absalom. He, along with two other men, brings food, beds, and clay vessels for David and the royal household. Machir was a man with discernment and compassion, who just didn't care about popular opinion. It certainly was not popular to care for a grandson of Saul's, or a fleeing king with few followers. He didn't care about the inconvenience to himself, either. We don't know how long Mephibosheth stayed with him, but it may have been a long time, and a cripple would be a drain on his time and finances. Likewise in the case of David, Machir must have been put out quite a bit to provide for an entire royal household. Machir cared when no one else dared. He's a rather simple man, really--when he sees a need, he shows compassion.

Machir is a picture of those in the world who care for lost souls. He could not "save" Mephibosheth, but he could care for him and keep him safe until such time as David would call him. He probably didn't have much himself, living in a barren area, but such as he had he shared with Mephibosheth. Likewise we may not think we have much to offer, but God wants to use us.