April 12, 2011

Isaiah 9:8-10:4
What parent among us will not discipline our child when we realize that it is needed? If we love our children, we discipline them in order to teach them how to live in this world. Is God any different? Of course He is not any different. He disciplines His own children. He disciplines us to teach us to live not only in this world, but also in the one to come. This passage is an excellent example! For generations the nation of Israel had been stiff-necked and disobedient. She had robbed the needy of justice, taken what was right from the poor, preyed upon widows and robbed the fatherless. The Lord promises that His judgment, discipline, will come. Even at that late point in Israel’s history, she thought that she could rebuild from past discipline. Israel still thought she could turn to Syria and the Philistines and with their help survive the current crisis. But the Lord warns that they will turn on Israel and devour her. God has extended His hand to discipline and it was extended still. But like a strong-willed child, Israel refuses to respond to the discipline of the Lord. She insisted on pursuing her own way. The result was the promised destruction of her leaders.
So, where do I fit in this scheme? It is His glory to discipline me to teach me how to live in this world and in the next. I can learn to be compliant. One practical outworking of being compliant can be seen in how I respond to the poor, especially the widow and the orphan. He desires mercy upon them. When it is shown, it reveals His glory. Indeed we serve a glorious King! Speak His glory to someone today!
--Pastor john