“She who keeps instruction is in the way of life, But if AMY REFUSES 1CORRECTION she will go ASTRAY.” (Proverbs 10:17) 1mûsâr: discipline, chastening. “…have you completely forgotten this WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT that addresses you as a father addresses His daughter? It says, “My daughter, 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 daughter.” ENDURE hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?” (Heb. 12:5-7)
Throughout Scripture, God portrays Himself as a Father. Those who have received Jesus as Savior are His children. He uses the analogy of father/daughter because we understand it. He compares Himself to a loving father who not only blesses but disciplines His beloved children for their own good. He goes on to show that those who do not receive God’s discipline are not legitimate children. “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.” (Heb. 12:11) So Amy, hopefully one day you can pray this, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I KEEP YOUR WORD.” (Psalms 119:67) “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant, FOR I DO NOT FORGET YOUR COMMANDMENTS.” (Psalms 119:176)
-Bill Stockham