God's Mighty Men We had an interesting discussion last night at our Bible study – well just a portion of it. We were discussing the 1st Promise of a Promise Keeper: but one of the scriptures talked about God’s Discipline:
Hebrews 12: 4-11. God Disciplines His Children: 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
So it was brought up – Does God Really discipline or just take away our blessings… Great Question – and a tough one to comprehend. I do believe that God Disciplines us – but now the question comes up “What does that look like?” I truthfully have to tell you I do not know…. Does he cause an accident to happen to get your attention – Does he take away your job or monies or possessions? Great questions that I do not have an answer to.
This morning in my quiet time studies I was reading Acts 5 – now if you want to see God punish someone – just read the story about Ananias and Sapphira:
Acts 5: 1-10. Ananias and Sapphira: Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. 3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. 7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” 9 Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” 10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
They were punished for lying about the property that they had sold and they died because of their deceit. Does God do that today???? Once again I cannot answer that. But after our discussion it has gotten my attention – Do I want to be disciplined by God? I know if he does it is because He loves me and wants the best for me – so I should consider it as Joy. If my God loves me that much – that He would do everything he could to keep me in his arms – then He must really love me – PURE JOY> So think about this – Does God Discipline?
As you go about your week – think about the things that you have done that may deserve Discipline and turn to God and be Forgiven. Do not wait for the punishment to come…
Bobbyg
