The Lord’s Discipline

“My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not
resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the
son he delights in” (Proverbs 3:11-12).

“And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement
that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, ‘My son, do not make
light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he
accepts as his son.’ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his
children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not
disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not
true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who
disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to
the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they
thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order 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” (Hebrews 12:5-11).

“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest
and repent” (Revelation 3:19).

This is a truth that is emphasized in a breadth of
Scriptures. The LORD disciplines those He loves. This discipline is not
pleasant. He does it for our good. It results in sharing in God’s holiness,
righteousness, and peace.

Psalm 32:1-5. Picture this:

Salvation:

“How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose
sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute
iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit!” (vv. 1-2).

Discipline:

“When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon
me; my vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer” (vv. 3-4).

Response to the discipline is confession of transgression
and forgiveness as a result:

“I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not
hide; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’; and You forgave
the guilt of my sin” (v. 5).

Many Christians are under the discipline described in verses
3 and 4, yet they will not repent and confess! They are missing the joy they
once had. So they are not receiving the forgiveness, joy, or sharing in God’s
holiness, righteousness, and peace.

This post coordinates with today’s reading in the To
the Word! Bible Reading Challenge. If you are not in a daily reading plan,
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