FATHER KNOWS BEST

In today’s post Father Knows Best, by Beth Moore, will deal with disciple. Hard to swallow for some of us who have been hurt by our earthly parents in more ways than we want to remember. Painful for some when we heard we were being disciplined because ‘we love you.’ Hopefully, as you read on, you and I can understand more of the true meaning of our Heavenly Father’s love for us:
* * * *Today’s Treasure: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves” (Hebrews 12:5-6).

The Lord is a disciplinarian. Never doubt it. He is far too faithful to let us get away with some of the things we think, say, and do. He has obligated Himself to grow us, be glorified in us, and give us away to His Son as a fitting bride “made…ready” (Rev. 19:7). Completing the good work He began in us demands discipline.

What definition of discipline does the writer intend? Take another look at verse 11. We can describe the Lord’s discipline as His means of teaching profitable lessons in painful ways. Granted, some are more painful than others. The writer of Hebrews offers us wonderful encouragements in the midst of discipline. Let’s consider a few.

God only disciplines those He loves. Today’s text gives us reason to be concerned if we’ve never experienced the Lord’s discipline. If you have, Beloved, count yourself among His children. Unbelievers sometimes experience God’s wrath but, according to Hebrews 12, only His children undergo His discipline. How do we know the difference? Wrath is condemning in nature. Discipline is correcting in nature.

God always disciplines with expertise. He is the expert parent and disciplinarian. “Our fathers disciplined us…as they thought best” (v. 10). God disciplines us because He knows best. Unlike us, God won’t have parenting regrets. He doesn’t get wiser with age. He won’t someday be a grandparent who says, “I wish I knew then what I know now.” He is omniscient. He sees every detail, He knows every motive, He reads every thought, and He discerns every heart. He applies His loving discipline perfectly.

God never disciplines without profit in mind. Hebrews 12:11,13 lists at least three benefits discipline brings the teachable child: righteousness, peace, and healing. The straightforward approach of Proverbs 12:1 makes me laugh, “He who hates correction is stupid.” No wonder. Look at those gains!

In my late 30s, with fear and trepidation, I began to ask God to be strict with me. I saw that His ways produce constant wins and my ways produce only losses. I deeply desired to live the holy life and to glorify Him. This remains my ongoing pursuit and my daily struggle. As the apostle Paul said: “I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But…I press on” (Phil. 3:13-14).

God is presently doing what I asked Him to do. He is very strict with me, and I never attempt to cross a line that I don’t find Him standing on it. In order to cross it, I have to absolutely defy His authority. I’ve never been so disciplined—and I’ve never been so free. I am still capable of defying Him horribly but, if I dare, I pray His loving discipline will jerk me home.

Oh, beloved child of God, Father knows best.

Father, I rejoice that Your discipline means that I’m your beloved child. I praise You for being the expert Parent who disciplines perfectly and with full knowledge of the situation at hand. Please help me become a teachable child so that I can experience righteousness, peace, and healing. I know that freedom and joy are found in living under Your authority. I love You and I pray these things in Your Son’s name. Amen.

Adapted from Whispers of Hope, by Beth Moore, page 107. Nashville: LifeWay Press, 1998.