The Lord Disciplines Us

Photo by Anders Sandberg

Scripture: Hosea 5:14-15

For I will be like a lion to Ephraim And like a young lion to the house of Judah.  I, even I, will tear to pieces and go away, I will carry away, and there will be none to deliver.  I will go away and return to My place Until they acknowledge their guilt and seek My face; In their affliction they will earnestly seek Me.

Insights: It is important to remember that the first part of the book of Hosea shows the real life situation between Hosea and his wife Gomer.  As the book unfolds, God moves it to the real life situation between Him and His chosen people Israel.  In today’s verses we see the Lord disciplining His children for their rebellion and pursuit after false gods.  He informed them that He Himself was going to be the One to tear them them to pieces.  He also told them He was going to remove His presence from them and allow them to experience life without His mercy and grace.  God was going to let them stay in this very difficult situation until they acknowledged their guilt and turned back to Him.  Beloved, the Lord works the same way in our lives as well.  God knows the best path and way of life for us.  We, unfortunately, just like the children of Israel, turn away from God’s ways and then wonder why our lives are under the disciplining hand of God.  It is a good and loving parent that disciplines his child.  God is the perfect parent and He is the best Father ever.  Learn to quickly turn from your disobedience when you experience God’s hand of discipline and turn back to Him.

Questions:

1. In what ways have you experienced the disciplines of the Lord?

2. As you have felt His discipline, have you returned to Him?

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your disciplining hand.  I don’t enjoy experiencing it, but am grateful You give it to me when I am walking away from you.  Amen.

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