Page 99 - Grace150 Devotional

My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved
by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom
he receives…he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 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 12:5–6, 10–11
Not all of the graces God gives to His children are pleasant. One of them
hurts. It stings. This is “the discipline of the Lord.”
The gospel calls us to turn in faith to Christ, but that necessarily involves turning
away from other things. Repentance is the flip side of faith. A very deep part of
us still loves what we should despise, craves what we shouldn’t have, and clings
to what is untrustworthy. Those idols lead only to misery and death, but we love
them anyway.
What’s a righteous Father to do when His children are in such a state? “The Lord
disciplines the one he loves.”
Is the Lord spanking you right now? Is His hand heavy upon you? Rejoice! That’s
a sign you’re loved by Him! You’re His beloved child. He’s disciplining you because
He accepts you. This is the gospel at work.

Don’t grow weary or depressed. Humble yourself and confess your sins. Turn
from evil, and set your heart and mind to do right. Let God do His work in you.
Eventually the discipline will be over, and in its stead will be “the peaceful fruit of
righteousness” that God was working toward all along.

Father, You are good and Your works are good, even the ones we don’t like.
Help us to be wise and receive Your correction so that we may share in Your
holiness.
– Scott Spuler

devotions for the journey DAY 92