On our prayer walk at church, |
“And have you 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 he disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.’” Hebrews 12:5-6(NIV)
The
writer of Hebrews reminds his readers of the writings of Solomon on the issue
of discipline. I love this passage because it refers back to the thoughts of
the wisest man in the world. In my Bible, the heading of Proverbs 3 tells me
the thoughts that follow are “Further Benefits of Wisdom.”
Solomon
carries the message that we should not dislike God’s dealing with us and we are
not to dislike it when God chastises us. God is shaping our character because
of His love for us—He loves us that much.
I have
not always cared to receive God’s discipline when I saw others doing things I
felt were more shockingly offensive. Nevertheless, as I reflect on those times,
I hear God saying, “But I wanted more for you than that. You belong to me. You
are to stand for me.”
Dear
Father God: Thank you for loving me so much that You did not allow me to go
along my merry way, doing things that looked good in my own eyes. Help me to
live for You. Guide me as I go through each day and show me how You want me to
live for You. I give You all the praise. In the Name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen