Rebuke and discipline often make us feel uneasy. Perhaps we picture a scene of being yelled at or unfairly criticized. Maybe we remember a time where we made a bad or short-sighted decision that was brought for judgment. Human-to-human discipline definitely has the potential to be handled poorly or to be initiated for the wrong reasons. Godly rebuke or discipline, though, is a loving correction and not a final judgment. It is not unfair. It is intended to help us on our journey before we get to the finish line.
In this passage, we see that God is interested in improving our lives while they are still being lived out in the day-to-day. When we see that God is involved enough to discipline us, and that His correction is intended for our good, we have a reason to trust it. Imagine serving a God who simply allows the natural consequences and final judgments of life to occur without any interventions. We would have constant uncertainty and anticipate chaos, brokenness, and disillusionment to be one bad decision away. Isn’t it comforting, then, to know that our God is there for the sake of loving correction? He does not abandon us to our own choices, and He does not wait until the end to point out our flaws and say, “if only.”
I do not need to discern every detail of a predetermined path to secure some better life, or constantly worry about making wrong decisions. The beauty of the interpersonal dynamic with God is that He is right here. He is ready with a “knock at the door.” Let’s accept the invitation of God to step into our world and dine with us. It is this display of His initiative, His readiness to step into our lives, and our freedom to engage with Him that makes a life of free will something to be grateful for rather than to be feared. His loving discipline provides a way for us to cast aside fear, guilt and insecurity, and live in joy and freedom knowing that He is here.
For reflection:
- What would it look like for you today to open the door and take God up on His invitation to dine with Him?
- Consider the joyful experience of laying down your uncertainties for the day.
by David Wiley
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