The King Has Saved You A Seat
Pastor Ray Phillips · November 1, 2026
Have you ever felt like you were hiding in Lo-debar, the place of nothing, convinced you were too broken, too far gone, or too unworthy to be loved? In “Saved You a Seat,” Pastor Ray Phillips of Stratford Heights Church of God preaches from 2 Samuel 9 on the story of Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, who was crippled as a child, hidden away, and full of fear and shame. King David remembered his covenant with Jonathan and sent his chariots to bring Mephibosheth to the palace. Instead of judgment, he received kindness, restoration, and a permanent seat at the king’s table.
Pastor Ray unpacks the Hebrew word hesed, God’s covenant love: unconditional, faithful, and nothing like fickle human affection. He shares his own salvation testimony from a 1981 camp meeting and calls the church to real belonging, not just a welcome. That means a church with no cliques, no games, and room for everyone who feels left out. Whether you’re carrying past hurt or guilt, or you need to accept Jesus as your Savior, this sermon on God’s grace, mercy, and kindness is a reminder that God didn’t ask you to come to Him in your broken condition. He came to get you, and He saved you a seat.
Pastor Ray unpacks the Hebrew word hesed, God’s covenant love: unconditional, faithful, and nothing like fickle human affection. He shares his own salvation testimony from a 1981 camp meeting and calls the church to real belonging, not just a welcome. That means a church with no cliques, no games, and room for everyone who feels left out. Whether you’re carrying past hurt or guilt, or you need to accept Jesus as your Savior, this sermon on God’s grace, mercy, and kindness is a reminder that God didn’t ask you to come to Him in your broken condition. He came to get you, and He saved you a seat.