Divine Correction
Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty Job 5:17
Reproves – The Bible has a different view of discipline than we do. In the Bible, discipline is wonderful. First, it is a sign that God loves me. Secondly, it is part of the way God leads me toward a full and significant life. Thirdly, it is an immediate measure of my own inner receptivity. And finally, it brings tears of joy to my eyes because it assures me that God is on my side. Is that how you feel about discipline? Does God’s reproof make you feel blessed? If it doesn’t, then you need a serious mental adjustment. God does not discipline in order to punish (not yet, anyway). God’s purpose in reproof is to correct you so that you can have the best He has to offer (and, by the way, that does not mean “your best life now”).
Job tells us not to despise reproof from the hand of God. Reproof leads to blessing. Wow! That is difficult to take. My natural mind screams in protest, “God, if you really loved me, You wouldn’t let all this bad stuff happen to me.” But I am wrong. The reason all this “bad stuff” happens to me is precisely because God loves me. He loves me so much He is not willing for me to live a life based solely on the temporal perspective, clinging to relationships and things in this world for my sense of well-being. He knows that, in the end, none of these temporary attachments will carry me through to eternity. He knows that I need His view of things if I am going to enjoy my eternal purpose. He knows that whenever and wherever I get off-center, He needs to bring me back. Reproof is the sure sign that God still cares about my long-term reality.
Reproof is not always a gentle reminder. Sometimes it can be quite severe; captivity for three centuries; destruction of my homeland; loss of my family, my fortune, my friends; devastating illness. The Psalmist knows just how serious reproof can be, so he pleads for God to be merciful in His correction (Psalm 38:1). But reproof can be just a gentle reminder. God adjusts the reproving volume to fit my hearing. When I am listening intently to the Spirit, a whisper will do. On other occasions, the music gets louder.
Practice intense listening of the shema kind (hear and obey). God would rather play a soft melody than a crashing march. It’s really up to you. How are your ears today?
