We like the love of God. You know, how God sent His Son to die for us and how He saves us and all that good stuff. But ... do we? I mean, for instance, when things go badly, we consider it a violation of love. “Why would a loving God allow that?” If God does what we want, He’s loving? Is He loving when He doesn’t do what we want?
The author of Hebrews wrote, “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives” (Heb 12:6). We might be able to rationalize that “discipline” term. It means, simply, “to train.” Easy. Got it. But … “chastises”? You can’t dodge this thought. It means “to flog.” It refers to a literally whipping. Yes, the author is using it figuratively, but we can’t use that to soften it to say He doesn’t do it. There’s no way to avoid the claim that God “whips” those He loves in some sense. Are you okay with that?
This isn’t saying God gets out a whip and beats people He loves. It does mean He applies unpleasant circumstances for the purpose of teaching as a function of love. You see, most people view “chastening” as a punishment, and it can be, but God is 1) coming from a position of love and 2) teaching His children. It’s not punishment; it’s discipline. Punishment is about justice. Discipline is about growth. Punishment is for God’s enemies. Discipline is for God’s children. Punishment flows from wrath. Discipline flows from love. It’s not saying God is a harsh task master; it’s saying God loves His children enough not to leave them in immaturity. It is for good. It is to share in His holiness. It is to provide the peaceful fruit of righteousness (Heb 12:10-11).
The text isn’t about God beating children. It’s about God loving His children enough to lead shape them to reflect His character … very much like it says in Romans 8:28-29. He works all things together for the good of conforming us to the image of His Son. That might take pain. It did for Job. It did for Paul. It will for you and me. So … will you thank Him for that love? Will you trust Him when the tough times come that He’s doing a good thing for you because He loves you? I certainly hope so.
1 comment:
All too many people don't understand that YHWH has rules and chastisement in place because He wants what's best for us. His rules are for our benefit, not His amusement. It shouldn't be difficult to understand, but it is for some.
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