November 9, 2021
Intro: God is still in the ministry of teaching people right from wrong, because it is his desire to save every human being from wrath or judgment. I know it may not look like God’s discipline is working in the world as a whole, but the success of God’s teaching has to do with the pliability of individual hearts. If people are rebelliously bent on embracing and living what God declares is wrong, he is probably not going to stop them. Instead, he will give them time even though he knows they will dig a painful pit for themselves. The good news is God is still responding to the cries of those who need pit rescues; yet, this is learning the authority of God the hard way and I don’t recommend it. One day the pit rescues will cease; judgment will be all that remains.
Judgment is very different than discipline. According to Scripture, God disciplines those whom he loves. Who does he love? The answer is God loves the world (Jo 3:16). However, true discipline in God’s economy is about righteousness or justice. If people choose to reject God’s righteousness, they will face his judgment rather than his discipline. I will take the discipline, because God is always right and I, unfortunately, am not (but, don’t tell my husband). Therefore, I will find joy in God’s discipline in order to make more righteousness available to me.
Psalm 94:12-15 (NLT)
Joyful are those you discipline, Lord,
those you teach with your instructions.
13
You give them relief from troubled times
until a pit is dug to capture the wicked.
14
The Lord will not reject his people;
he will not abandon his special possession.
15
Judgment will again be founded on justice,
and those with virtuous hearts will pursue it.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping me find joy even in the midst of your correction. I choose discipline, because I choose you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.