My child, do not reject the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t get angry when he corrects you.
The Lord corrects those he loves,
just as parents correct the child they delight in. – Proverbs 3:11-12 NCV
God’s discipline might be one of the most under taught subjects today. Why would God discipline his children? Because he loves them!
The Hebrew writer quotes directly from these verses in Hebrews 12:5-6. He shows us that chastisement comes completely from the love of God. Through Hebrews 5:3-11 we see that God cares enough to:
- Help us correct our faults
- Strengthen our faith
- Promote our welfare
We also see how we should respond:
- We are not to despise God for it
- We must submit to it
- We must be exercised by the purpose of it
Sometimes we get a little too self-dependent and it takes a little shakeup to get right with God again. When we are challenged, we can be joyful for the Christian strength we will gain rather than feel sorry for ourselves. (James 1:2-4) In the end, God simply wants continual growth and service dedicated to him.
Daily Bible reading for May 5
Proverbs 3:1-12
Deuteronomy 6
Hosea 2:2-23
2 Timothy 4:9-22
June 5, 2013
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