Sep 5, 2017

Chastisement and Discipline - Trial of Faith Series


Heb 12:5-6 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, ​and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, ​and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."

Many of the trials of our life are because we have committed mistakes. The Lord prefers that we endure His punishment and disciplinary action than to suffer the judgment and be separated from Him for all eternity. Punishment  Judgment. In an earlier thought, we meditated on the Lord who tries the righteous (Jer 20:12). The same God chooses to discipline us with his chastisement because that is a mark of our Sonship!  I may observe many children in my neighborhood committing mistakes and sins. And I do not go about beating them for their sins. But if my own son does a mistake, I wouldn't think much about rebuking him and maybe even beating him, because I'd much rather that he accepts my punishment and be provoked to righteousness. The punishment that we endure as a child doesn't spoil our relation with the Father. In fact, our relation with Him is stronger after that.

The word says: Do not lose heart when He rebukes you. Job 5:17 says: Blessed is the man whom the Lord corrects. So don't despise His chastening. Rev 3:19 reminds us: that He is indeed interested in correction and repentance (Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.) Prov 3:11-12 reminds us the same fact, but also adds this truth - For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son [in whom] he delighteth.      If the Lord delights in you, he will correct you! He is not done with you yet. He knows that your heart is still soft and tender and will yield to His correction. Heb 12:9 says: If you endured your father's punishment (and yet respected them for it), How much more should we submit to the Lord who holds our spirits and live unto eternity?!

One of the reasons why you lose heart is when you look around. You may observe many, even people who seemingly know the Lord, who seem to do their own evil plans and yet, they are not touched by God. They don't seem to be rebuked by Him or punished. Heb 12:8 soberly reminds us that it's only the True Sons who are chosen for discipline. The illegitimate children are not disciplined. They are left to reap the consequences of their evil.

For the ultimate good !
Heb 12:10-11 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Dearly beloved, take courage and strengthen yourself (Heb 12:12). The reason why we maybe in a season of heaviness is because of His loving chastisement and punishment. It is going to produce a holy Fear in us which will provoke us to greater holiness and righteousness. Indeed, all things work together to the good of those who love God and those who are called unto His purpose to work in us the image of the Lord Jesus Christ himself.

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