The purpose of God’s discipline is not to punish us but to transform us.
– Jerry Bridges
I praise God every day for the saving grace He has offered through His Son, Jesus Christ. Moreover, I do not have to worry about receiving His wrath for Jesus bore my transgressions on the cross. Occasionally, I still have doubts visiting me, but the more I study the scriptures the more my faith in Jesus and in His promise increases. Let us go into what God’s wrath looks like and how does His discipline like.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Book of Judges 2:19-23. Please, read our recent devotional from the Book of Judges 2:16-17: Do People In Position Have All Power And Authority?
Hebrews 10:31 says It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. This is indeed true, but people tend to turn a blind eye to the existence of God. As what the sayings go, out of sight out of mind.
His Discipline
God chose Israel to be His people. They are His children and from them, covenants and promises were made. Moreover, Isaiah 49:6 said that they are called to be the light to other nations and the means wherein God’s salvation will reach the ends of the earth.
However, in verse 19 it says that every time their deliverer or judges die, the Israelites turn back on old habits, become more wicked than their fathers, and go after other gods, serving and bowing to them. And so God left the Israelites in the hands of the Canaanites and other nations to test them.
His Wrath
Observe the word used in verse 20 as God’s response to the disobedience of the Israelites. He was angry with them, the Bible did not say God was wrathful to the Israelites. Similarly, we can compare God’s anger with a father to a child when the child is misbehaving. He does not hate the child but also does not tolerate bad behaviours.
Thus, the discipline takes place. And so God gave the Israelites a test to help them rethink their actions and realize they need God, which we all do.
Nevertheless, God’s wrath is different from His discipline. His wrath is bestowed on the unrighteous and ungodly (Romans 1:18). Prophet Nahum describes it as His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken into pieces by him. (Nahum 1:6).
Furthermore, the Apostle John illustrates the reactions of the unrighteous when he wrote, Calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” (Revelation 6:16-17).
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- Are you grateful for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ?
- How do you see the tests of God in your life?
- Have you surrendered your life for Christ? Accept Jesus Now.
- What are the things hindering you from obeying God?
Related Posts
- How God Discipline, Love And Protect His Kids
- Judgement: Are you guilty?
- How To Start The Year Right
- Loving all
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before you asking for your mercy on our sins (mention your sins). We pray that through the Holy Spirit we will be walking in the righteous path that leads to you. Thank you, Lord, Jesus for dying on the cross for our sins and receiving the wrath of the Father. Also thank you for the offer of eternal life that was completed by your resurrection and accession into heaven. We are sinners and in desperate need of a Savior and you alone Jesus can save us.
We pray all these things in Your Holy name. Amen.
