Is God Punishing Me? Chastisement: Hebrews 12:1-11

Just like untilled ground brings up weeds and soon becomes a forest, so will the young children become if they are not disciplined to walk in the ways of God. In this fallen world which lies in the lap of the wicked one, we don’t learn what is good naturally, it takes pains, instructions, rebukes, encouragement and even discipline to learn what is good and practice it. And so does God’s chastisement to His children.

‘Spare the rod, spoil the child’ is a very true statement when it comes to discipline. Some things children won’t learn through the school of ease only. And so does to God’s people, His rod and staff must comfort them. Those who perish are not disciplined. They are left to their own devices and given freedom to engage in their own indulgences.

Our parents did put much effort to discipline us and teach us. It is never easy, moreso the discipline part. I remember when I was young, I thought I would be happy if my parents just let me have my own way. How foolish I was then!

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God also disciplines and chastised those who he has graciously saved by His Sovereign will. God disciplines us because truly we are his sons and daughters. Notice when our parents disciplined us, they did so because of love and because we were their children.

If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.

Hebrews 12: 8 [ESV]

God chastens those he loves. Just like a good branch is pruned so that it may give much fruit, so does God prune his own through trials and afflictions.

For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”

Hebrews 12: 6 [ESV]

Chastening is a blessing to Christian’s, not a curse. You may think that your life would be better if otherwise, but just know all the suffering you may encounter has a price.

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?

Hebrews 12: 7 [ESV]

Chastisement is not joyous but grievous. It is painful and sorrowful. The Bible admits it in Hebrews12:5-11

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12: 11 [ESV]

It is better that when all these things happen to you, you learn something so that these blessings in disguise be not wasted.

Without chastening, we would become thieves, abusive, dishonest, etc. No doubt still sin prevails even through this but when this is not undertaken, the result would be worse.

Parents mind only their children.They correct them for their own pleasure so that they do not become stiff-necked self-willed people. Spare the rod, spoil the child is a very true saying. You can imagine what a child that will become that was never warned.

Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?

Hebrews 12: 9 [ESV]

Our parents corrected us only in the way they thought it best. They were not perfect, but here God chastens us perfectly. He will make sure what He gives us is for exactly enough for us. He will not use too much or too little. That cup of affliction is given in love by wise Physician.

For they[our parents] disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.

Hebrews 12: 10 [ESV]

Our parents chastening was always imperfect. Either sometimes was driven by anger and thus given their kids too much. From love it was too little and many times they idolised them too much. But God’s chastisement was sent in love to His children. Dear Saint, He whose Love never fades will always work in you that which is good.

The reason is that we may share in His Holiness. Afflictions administered will lead to increased holiness.

And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.

Hebrews 12: 5 [ESV]

‘Like father like son’, is a statement every father would be happy to hear said of his child. Holy God chastises his children so that they may share in His Holiness.

God does not punish his children. All their sins have already been paid by Christ Jesus. God is working all things for your good even though they may not seem to be so. Perhaps God is chastening you to conform you to his image. Shalom.

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