”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. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not” | Hebrew 12: 5-7

As I ponder the words of these blessed verses in Hebrews chapter 12, I must admit that I too had forgotten this great exhortation and encouragement. First, it is a great encouragement to me because it is spoken to me as a child, a son of the living God. How beautiful are the words, “My son,” when they fall from the lips of God Almighty.

Sometimes things get rough and tough for the believing child of God. Often we get discouraged in these trials and troubles. But we shouldn’t! They are nothing more than the “chastening of the Lord.” This chastening comes from His hand. I find it very interesting that the word “chastening” in the original Greek means “training.” God is training us as His children. He is training us to trust and rely on Him no matter what He sends our way.

“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth…” He trains, teaches, and reveals to us His will, purpose and providence, because He loves us. What must we do to assure our place as the children of God? Simply endure this chastening, (this correcting, this training) knowing that God always does what is best for those whom He loves and who love Him! When we endure all that God sends our way, we have the peace and comfort in knowing that God is dealing with us as His children, “for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?”

The next time you find yourself in trouble or facing a hard trial, remember that it is your heavenly Father that has sent it, He has sent it for your good and for His glory, and thank Him for it.

~ Pastor David Eddmenson

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Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 15 December, 2019 | Previous post date: n/a