GOD’S DISCIPLINES

The little child looked up in surprise, as I guessed his thoughts.

‘Will Gran really take away my ball, if I disobey and kick it?’ He looked down and kicked the ball.

I held his shoulder gently, and explained again.

‘Dear, you must not kick this ball, because it will split. It is meant for throwing. Now please put the ball in the toy box.’

Reluctantly, he carried the ball, at the same time kicking a stone, as he shuffled with the now-forbidden ball.

Next time he came to visit, he sweetly persuaded me, ‘ Gran, I promise I won’t kick the ball. Please can we throw it over the clothes’ line’- an enjoyable way to play miniature basketball. Formerly, he disobeyed me, but with loving rebuke, instruction, reproof, and education, I had tutored him (in harmony with his parents) in the art of obedience, with now, happy results.

God’s disciplines are for the training of his own children. A chastisement is not a harsh punishment but a means of disciplined, child-training and correction for all ages.

The rider restrains the horse by bit, bridle and halter, lest he stumble and fall. Although appearing harsh, the restraint benefits horse and rider.

With the child denied his ball, and the horse under control , both eventually enjoy the advantage of instruction, restraining even with pain, when essential.

The wise doctor tells his patient, ‘ This injection will sting for a moment, but controls the infection.

There is a cure for each problem, but the disciplines of God vary with each crisis.

God disciplined David when he deliberately liased with Bathsheba, while her husband fought in battle. The child of their union died. David anguished, repented and cried, ‘He cannot come to me, but I shall go the him.’ And Psalm 51 describes his heart-cry to God,’ Have mercy on me, O God …wash me…cleanse me from my sin,’ and David humbly admits, ‘ You teach me wisdom in the inner place‘. (6)

The children of Israel often forgot how God regularly and miraculously rescued them. They complained at God, often rebelling and denying him. The psalmist sadly said, ‘HE gave them their requests ,but sent leanness into their soul.’ (Psalm 106:15) which cramped their relationship with God.

So the discipline of obedience and submission to God’s will, and contentment with God’s way and provision expand our relationship in Him.

A pastor recently said, ‘In all my fifty years in the ministry, I have never made the Christian life sound easy.’ Wise words!

Through the difficult episodes and testings of life, often through personal failure, God reproves, rebukes, corrects, and restrains. All are for our good, and admitting our need, by His grace and power, ‘We will participate and be a sharer in His holiness.’ ( Hebrews 12:10)

Call a family friend and tell of blessing from Gwenda’s article.