Revelation 3:19

[The risen Lord said:] “I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.”

This letter to the church in Laodicea was a wake-up call. They were full of self-confidence, but the Lord told them that they had absolutely no reason to feel like that. In a city that prided itself on its wealth, they were told how poor they are. In a region famed for its wool, they were told that they were naked, and there was no humiliation more terrible in the ancient world than that. In an area that was famous for its eye salve for sore eyes, they were told that they were blind. But the Lord hadn’t given up on them. Although he was appalled by their lukewarmness, and shocked by their misplaced self-confidence, he was eager for them to change. His reason for correcting and disciplining them was because he loved them.

Discipline is never enjoyable, but when the words are full of love and wisdom, it is a very foolish person who ignores them. I would be intrigued to know what words of discipline you remember from your parents and others who cared for you. My own parents were very loving, but there were some very clear boundaries. If I stepped outside them, I soon knew about it! At the time, I certainly wasn’t thrilled by their discipline, but looking back I realise that they were putting rules in place that have kept me safe and secure ever since.

In the letter to the Hebrews, the writer makes some very powerful observations about discipline. He says that if God didn’t discipline us, it would prove that we are not really his children at all. Our legitimacy is proven by God’s intense love for us expressing itself in discipline. He wrote: “Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live for ever?” (Hebrews 12:9).

Question

In what ways have you experienced God disciplining you?

Prayer

Loving God, forgive me for those times when I have resented and rejected your discipline. Help me to see that your words of discipline are always words of love. Amen