My
son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord, or loathe His reproof, for whom
the Lord loves, He reproves (chastens), even as a father, the son in whom he
delights.
The word “chasten” in both Hebrew and Greek, means “to train a child.” Thus chastening means “child training.” When we were children our parents chastened or trained us. This training included correction and giving direction. Sometimes it was quite unpleasant especially when it involved physical punishment.
My dad used a belt on me while mother used a broom! There was never a time that I can remember when this part of my training was pleasant or welcome. I really looked at it as unnecessary! As I matured I began to see that this was a very important aspect of my parent’s love. They loved me enough to keep me from going in a wrong direction in whatever way it took. Most of the time it worked!
Even so, the Lord chastens His children. His goal is to train us in His way! I’m glad He called His people sheep and not foxes as sheep need direction, guidance and training while foxes run wild and do their own thing.
Sometimes God the Father uses unpleasant means to train His children and often we despise this correction (despise literally means to “look down our noses at something”). We need to realize that heavenly chastening is an indication of our Father’s love for us.
My
son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are
reproved by Him. For those whom the
Lord loves He disciplines and He scourges every son whom He receives - Hebrews
12:5b, 6.
We as His sheep have a tendency to go astray in various ways such as allowing the world to woo us back into it’s influence or developing unchristian relationships. How easy it is to drift away from the Word of God (Hebrews 2:1), diminishing our love for Him. God will not allow these things to go unchecked. He will move in with His chastening hand. When this happens let us not resist His chastening but recognize His hand in our lives, being assured that it is an indication of the Father’s great love for us.
Beloved, today, if God’s hand is heavy upon you, search your heart and life to understand what the Father is saying to you, then ask for the grace to make any change necessary. I’ve had to do this with my stroke. I’ve asked, “Father, what do you want me to learn in this ordeal?” I’ve learned a lot about myself as a result of my Father’s chastening hand in my life. God bless.
Serving Him,
What
a wonderful surprise to have so many of you help celebrate my 70th
birthday in a purely fun way. Thank you
for all the cards, gifts and work that many of you put into our time
together. It is so very much appreciated
and I love you all. And how about that
Muleshoe Choir?