How God Deals With His Children
Micah 7:9, "I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness."
The Bible speaks clearly about the attitude we should have concerning God's correction in our lives. It also speaks of the manner in which He deals with us.
Proverbs 3:11-12, "My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of His correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth."
Hebrews 12:5-6, "And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."
The heart of the child that is penitent understands God's dealings with him as described in Micah 7:9. We can expect the Lord's indignation if we have lived in sin for a prolonged period of time. The prophet Micah understood this and so should others that follow the Lord. Notice however, the latter portion of the verse, "...until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness." Chastening has a purpose and it isn't to destroy us, but to grow us. God will bring us forth to the light, and we will behold his righteousness.
Proverbs 4:18, "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."
2 Peter 1:19, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:"
God executed judgment for us through the person of the Lord Jesus. Christ brings us to the light (for He is the light), and we behold His righteousness.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. How would you describe your life currently as it relates to sin?
2. Should there be an expectation that God will chasten us if we continue to live in sin? Can you predict what your chastening will include? Do you know how long it will last?
3. Does your life reflect that you are heading in the right direction as described in Proverbs 4:18? Justify your answer.