While in Sin, God does Discipline His Own

Photo by Uyen Tran

Scripture: Hosea 2:6-7b

“Therefore, behold, I will hedge up her way with thorns, And I will build a wall against her so that she cannot find her paths.  “She will pursue her lovers, but she will not overtake them; And she will seek them, but will not find them.

Insights: What we learn from future chapters is that Hosea actually has to go and purchase Gomer from the slave block.  After he has purchased her back, he does everything he can to demonstrate his love for her.  He does it through discipline.  In other words, he builds up hedges with thorns to prevent her from escaping.  He builds walls so that she cannot find her path back to her false lovers.  I can tell you that from Gomer’s perspective she is not seeing this situation as a good thing.  Rather she is seeing her freedoms being removed, and therefore, it is painful for her.  We are told in Hebrews chapter twelve that the Lord disciplines those whom He loves.  We are told elsewhere that discipline does not seem enjoyable at the moment, but it reaps a harvest which is for our benefit.  Beloved, I know it is a hard truth to accept when you are being disciplined by the Lord, but His discipline is an expression of His love for you.  Rejoice in His love and rest in it.  Turn from your waywardness and walk with Him.  He is the only One who truly cares unconditionally about you.  I say this because His love is perfect.  Let me encourage you to run to Jesus and experience Him and all His fullness.

Questions:

1. Have you experienced the discipline of the Lord lately?

2. Did His discipline lead you to the proper response of repentance?

Prayer: Father, I do not enjoy Your discipline in the moment of my sin, but the joy from the restoration is always pleasurable.  Thank You for not giving up on my when I am in rebellion to You.  Thank You for Your constant hand of correction. Amen.

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