Devotion for Wednesday July 25, 2017
Topic: God’s Chastening, Our Benefit
Text: Job 5:17 – Behold, happy is
the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the chastening of the
Almighty.
The Greek word ‘paidedeia’ was translated chastening
meaning disciplinary correction. There are blessings in God’s chastening us. This
sentence looks paradoxical but that is the truth some may not accept but there
are benefits from God’s chastening. God turns His heart towards us when He
corrects us but His heart turns from the wicked when He punishes them. His
corrections are not sent to take away our comforts but to take away our corruptions.
Again, corrections are not manifestations of wrath, but an evidence of His
love. If God reproves a person and same responds rightly, then God will deliver
that individual from all adversity and trouble. The chastening of God is a sign
that we are God’s children and an assurance of God’s love and concern for us
(Hebrews 12:6 – 8). Our happiness as Christians does not consist in our outward
comforts; in riches, in health, in honour, in civil liberty or human relationship.
Rather, our happiness consists in our relationship with God and in union with Jesus
Christ. God chastises us so that we might not be finally condemned with the
world (1 Corinthians 11:31 – 32) and that we might share His Holiness, living sanctified
lives without which we will never see the Lord (Hebrews 12:10 – 11, 14). How do
you respond to God’s chastening?
Food for Thought: Absolute trust in God sustains us in trials and
in due time, it secures certain, full and eternal deliverance.
Memory verse: Hebrews 12:6 - For
whom the Lord loves He chastens and scourges every son whom He receives.
Prayer: Almighty God, grant me the grace to look
out for the benefits in chastening me and not minding its pain, discomfort and inconveniences.
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