Pro 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
The Bible always talks to us as children.
Chastening comes with a
Father's authority and also a Father's gentleness.
Of course, it is not possible that we should really find pleasure in
being chastened. That is not natural.
Indeed the Bible says, "No
discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful."
Not even the
grace of God in our hearts can take the sting out of
chastening.
We are not expected to like
it...but we are told not to despise it.
That is, we are to accept it without murmuring, without complaining,
and submissively-as God's messenger to us, bringing a blessing.
It will help us to receive chastening meekly, in faith and love-if
we remember that it is our heavenly Father who sends it.
We
know that He loves us with infinite affection.
He does not take
pleasure therefore in causing us pain, nor would He do it at
all...were it not in some way for our good.
It is because He loves us
and would do us good-that He sends or permits the suffering.
We should never despise any instruction our Father gives us, however
costly and painful it may be.
He lets us suffer because He loves
us-and would make our lives beautiful and holy.
We should be willing to endure any pain or trial, in order to have
the likeness of Christ fashioned in our life.
Heb 12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
Heb 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
~J. R. Miller~
Isa 46:3 Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all
the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the
belly, which are carried from the womb:
Isa 46:4 And even to
your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have
made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.
This passage of Scripture is the aged believer's cordial. Let us look at the beautiful images employed.
God is our parent-a kind and tender-hearted parent.
He is peculiarly attached to His people-they are dear to Him, and precious in His sight.
They are His portion. He prizes them above all creation.
He is strong to sustain, to defend and support them.
His strong arm, tender heart, and watchful eye-are all employed for them-and especially so in old age.
The aged believer is as a child. He is weak. He feels exposed and defenseless. He is timid and fearful.
But the Lord, as a tender parent, engages to take him up in the arms of His power-and carry him in the bosom of His love!
Like
a tender lamb in the shepherd's bosom on a cold and frosty night, borne
across a bleak and snow-covered wasteland--so the believer, in the
winter of old age, shall be carried in the bosom of his God, across the
bleak and cheerless desert of time.
God will carry him tenderly-hushing the weak one's fears.
He will bear him carefully-so that nothing shall harm or hurt him.
He will soothe him with gentle words, and encourage him with kind acts-until He safely brings him Home!
Dear aged Christian, you have nothing to fear!
Your God says, "I will be your God throughout your lifetime-until your hair is white with age!"
I am your Father-your Friend-your solace-and your confidence!
Look unto Me, even to old age-I will carry you.
I will bear you up under all that you feel and fear.
I will carry you through all that discourages or distresses you.
I will deliver you from foes, fears, dangers and death itself!
Nothing shall by any means hurt you!
My arm is strong enough-trust in it.
My bosom is your resting-place-lean on it, lean hard!
Do not be afraid...love dwells there, pity rules there, your name is engraved there!
Trust me, I will never leave you nor forsake you!
Hearken! Believer, your God bids you to "hearken."
His words are true and faithful.
He speaks to banish your fears.
He speaks to strengthen your faith.
He speaks to comfort your poor drooping heart.
He speaks to clothe your care-worn brow, with the light of hope, with the cheerfulness which confidence imparts.
Hearken to Him-not to unbelief or carnal reason.
It is the Guide of your youth who addresses you.
It is your tender Parent who seeks to cheer your heart.
Hearken, it is your Savior who speaks!
As one whom his mother comforts-so does your God comfort you.
He is near you-near you every moment;
He will carry you-carry you every step;
He will deliver you-deliver you from every danger, trouble and foe!
~James Smith~
