Remember when you were a little kid and did something your parents told you not to? Maybe you ran out into the street or maybe you climbed a tree that was “off limits.” Remember how your mom or dad reacted? It was probably pretty harsh. Pain. Tears. Gnashing of teeth. You get the picture. You did something dangerous and got punished for it. But after the tears, pain, and anger subsided, you knew your parents were right. You needed discipline. You did something dangerous, and you deserved punishment. As you look back, you probably realized that your parents punished you because they cared about you. They didn’t want to see you get hurt. Think About It The Israelites sinned against God by adopting the disgusting practices of neighboring nations. Despite the influence of good people like Ezra, the Israelites men disobeyed God by marring foreign women-something God had warned them not to do. But instead of giving the Israelites what they deserved, God held back. Sometimes we refused to admit we are wrong and God must discipline us. Other times we see our mistake, and God doesn’t need to discipline us. Either way, God’s love for us remains the same. Although we let God down sometimes, He patiently and gracefully cares for us. Pray About It Thank you, Lord, for loving me even when I come short of your Word. Though you sometimes discipline me, I know it’s because you want what’s best for me. Thanks for protecting me and watching out for me.
Posted on: Fri, 27 Sep 2013 22:34:11 +0000