2 Samuel 9:8, 11 Mephibosheth bowed down and said, ‘What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me? …So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons.

2 Samuel 9:8, 11 Mephibosheth bowed down and said, ‘What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me? …So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons.

The Bible considers dogs unclean animals. In fact, the vilest of sinners were often referred to as dogs. Mephibosheth was King Saul’s grandson (Jonathan’s son). When Saul’s kingdom collapsed, a servant hid Mephibosheth to protect him from his grandfather’s enemies.  Several years later, Mephibosheth was discovered and brought to King David. Mephibosheth feared for his life because he was King Saul’s grandson.  He told David that he was a dead dog–“dead” because he was a useless cripple and unable to be a threat to David’s kingdom–“dog” because he was bowing to the lowest position possible to plead for his life. What Mephibosheth did not know was that David wanted to exalt and honor Mephibosheth because of King David’s close friendship with his father, Jonathan. David exalted Mephibosheth and gave him a place in the palace and treated him like a king’s son.

This famous Bible story reminds us of God’s eternal work of salvation for each of us. We come before Him with all of our impurities deserving of death. He not only pardons us from our destruction, but He exalts us to the position of a king’s son. Let the truth of what Jesus did at the cross sink deep into our hearts. Jesus died on the cross and offered “undeserved” forgiveness to us while we were YET in our sin. 

As we allow this truth of “undeserved forgiveness” to become a reality in our lives, we will be equipped to forgive our students for their offenses even before they repent. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matt 5:7). David not only pardoned Mephibosheth; he also restored him to his position in the king’s palace. When offenses occur in your classroom–correct, forgive, and then restore the student. Be Christ’s hand extended. Be an example of God’s love and grace.

Dear God, Let this truth be part of my daily life.   I thank you for your forgiveness. Teach me to forgive and to restore.