Growing up ∙∙

Growing up ∙∙

Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. – Hebrews 5:8

Genesis 45:5-8

 5 But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.

 7 God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors.

 8 So it was God who sent me here, not you! He was the one who made me an adviser to the Pharaoh – the manager of his entire palace and the governor of Egypt.

Sadly, our world is rife with disappointment, suffering, mistreatment, and betrayal. When viewed from a human perspective, these adversities are horrific and must be corrected if possible.

The Father does not take pleasure in witnessing the suffering of His people. He recognizes that trials are an inherent aspect of existence on Earth. Instead of eliminating these hardships, the Father chooses to use them as instruments for the growth and development of the children of the King. Suffering is one of the tools He employs to foster spiritual growth, depth, maturity, character, and willing submission to the Father.

Helen Keller once said, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

Consider Joseph’s life, which was marred by numerous setbacks, deceit, betrayals, and treachery. His own siblings plotted against him and sold him into slavery. This led him to Egypt, where he became a servant in Potiphar’s household. Despite these challenges, Joseph’s God-given natural talents and abilities allowed him to excel. However, after being falsely accused and betrayed again, he was imprisoned, seemingly doomed to be forgotten.

Did Joseph become angry, bitter, or hateful? Was he overcome by resentment seeking revenge? Definitely not. Instead, the Father used these arduous years to transform Joseph, fostering his growth into a wise and mature individual. The Father child-trained him. As a result, godly character and integrity were added to his natural brilliance and leadership abilities. But he remained a prisoner until the day the Father appointed for him to be set free. The Father has provided an example of the transformative power of faith and perseverance amidst adversity for all time.

The Father had a plan all along, but it was only at the time of Egypt’s greatest need that Joseph was called upon to rise to the occasion and solve Egypt’s dire problems. Famine was coming, and with it would come certain death from starvation. However, the Father equipped Joseph with a strategy that exceeded beyond anyone’s wildest imagination.

One day, Joseph was a filthy prisoner, a slave in tattered rags. The next day, he was the Prime Minister of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh in authority and power. Not only was Egypt saved from the devastating impacts of famine, but he also ensured the accumulation of ample reserves of grain and other essentials.

Eventually, Joseph’s own brothers came to Egypt to try to purchase grain so that they and their families would not die. They did not recognize Joseph. He chose not to reveal his true identity to them when they arrived. Transformed in appearance and fluent in Egyptian, Joseph now embodied the poise and authority of a high-ranking Egyptian official rather than the Hebrew brother they once knew.

Gone were Joseph’s earlier arrogant pride and boastfulness. Instead, his heart was now characterized by wisdom, gentleness, grace, and forgiveness. The Father’s child training had achieved its intended effect. But Joseph was curious. Had the Father also changed his brothers’ hearts during their years apart? Indeed, the Father had been at work in their hearts during the period of separation. They, too were new men. At the right time, Joseph reveals himself.

Genesis 45:1-4

 1 Joseph could stand it no longer. Many people were in the room, and he said to his attendants, “Out, all of you!” So he was alone with his brothers when he told them who he was.

 2 Then he broke down and wept. He wept so loudly that the Egyptians could hear him, and word of it quickly carried to the Pharaoh’s palace.

 3 “I am Joseph!” he said to his brothers. “Is my father still alive?” But his brothers were speechless! They were stunned to realize that Joseph was standing there in front of them.

 4 “Please, come closer,” he said to them. So they came closer. And he said again, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt.

Imagine the tears, the kisses, and the hugs.

Reflect for a moment on the Father’s magnificent transformative power. He had done what was seemingly impossible. Genesis is an essential book that includes the beginning of all the Father wants us to know regarding origins. Yet, 15 chapters are devoted to Joseph. Why? The Father is at work in every child of the King to conform us to the image of His son. Joseph shows the way.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Lord Jesus Christ is the God-man. He lived a sinless life, learning obedience through what He suffered. He was always obedient and submissive. He learned firsthand the cost of being obedient in the midst of suffering. He “increased in wisdom and stature” (Luke 2:52).

Father thank You. It is true that whom the Lord loves, He disciplines for their good. You seek to produce in us the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

INSIGHT

Difficult times prune away the deadwood in our lives. The accumulated dross needs to be addressed and handled to conform us into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. Hard times are part of the Father’s training for each child of the King.

Hebrews 12:10-11

 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.

 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening – it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

The Father uses disappointment and suffering to develop character and maturity. This was true even for the Son of God Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 5:8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.

“Pain is inevitable; sorrow is optional” (Stanley). How we respond to physical and emotional pain is a choice for every child of the King. “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom” (Viktor Frankl).

“Someone once said to a sufferer: ‘Suffering colors life, doesn’t it?’ The sufferer replied: ‘Yes, but I propose to choose the color.’ The Christian is the athlete of God whose spiritual muscles become stronger from the discipline of difficulties” (Barclay).

The canvas of our lives contains all of our life experiences. Our relationship with the Father, or lack thereof, affects the textures and colors that are added to it. It can be dull, drab, boring, or depressing. Or it can be bright, cheerful, upbeat, and filled with hope, that is, confident expectation.

“When trials hit, we can always be sure that God will come to our aid. Why? (1) It’s His nature – “He is ‘the Father of mercies’ and the ‘God of all comfort.’ (2) He’s training us to comfort others” (Stanley).

And so it was with Joseph!

Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.

This is the Father’s purpose for every child of the King. Our model is the Lord Jesus Christ. In the incarnation, He became the God-man. He was fully divine and also fully human. He was always without sin, as He learned obedience in real life. He was committed to submissive obedience and “increased in wisdom and stature” (Luke 2:40, 52). Total submission was required to face and endure the events of Gethsemane and Golgotha. Through great suffering, the Lord Jesus Christ continued to obey. 

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© Dr. H 2024

He cannot deny Himself ∙

He cannot deny Himself ∙

If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. – 2 Timothy 2:13

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

 23 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.

Frequently, individuals struggle with punctuality or completing tasks on time. This can be incredibly frustrating when we rely on them. How do we react? We often become annoyed, irritated, or worse. People always have excuses to defend their behavior: hard luck stories, forgetfulness, car trouble, etc. Sadly, for some, this unreliability becomes a recurring pattern. Over time, consistent irresponsibility can drive people away, and ultimately, trust is broken.

Vince Lombardi famously said, “If you are 5 minutes early, you are already 10 minutes late!” This emphasizes the importance of not just being on time but being ahead of time. Being on time means being early. Punctuality reflects reliability and respect for others’ time. The Father is never late. He always follows through and does what He promises.

The Father is never in a hurry, but He is always on time.

It is as though the Father has a schedule to keep, which was booked in eternity past. He orchestrates situations and guides individuals precisely where they need to be at the exact moment He has predetermined. This unseen guidance ensures that crucial encounters unfold as intended. Reflect on the encounters of Philip with the Ethiopian eunuch and the Lord Jesus Christ with the Samaritan woman as examples of this divine scheduling, where each was led to a pivotal moment in their lives by a plan set in motion from eternity past.

Acts 8:26-39

 26 As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.”

 27 So he started out, and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia . . .. The eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship,

 28 and he was now returning. Seated in his carriage, he was reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

 29 The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.”

 30 Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

 31 The man replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him.

 35 So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus.

 36 As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?”

 38 He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.

 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing.

John 4:4-29

 4 He had to go through Samaria on the way.

 5 Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime.

 7 Soon, a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.”

 10 Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”

 13 Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again.”

 14 “But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet.

 25 The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming – the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

 26 Then Jesus told her, “I AM the Messiah!”

 28 The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone,

 29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?”

As children of the King, we are part of His Forever Family. The Father has made magnificent and precious promises to each of us. His promises are always fulfilled based on His character, not our performance. He remains steady and sure regardless of how we perform.

Regrettably, our understanding and expectations are often skewed. When we fail, we usually expect Him to withdraw. We fear that punishment is just around the corner. We might expect this reaction from others but not from the Father. He operates differently, offering steadfast love and grace instead of withdrawal or punishment.

2 Timothy 2:13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

What fabulous reassurance and comfort we find in this truth! The Father is faithful. Faithfulness is a core aspect of His essence and character. He is not whimsical, arbitrary, or capricious. He is never erratic. He doesn’t play games.

He is also omnipotent and thus fully capable of fulfilling His promises. He promised to finish what He had started in each child of the King perfectly and on time.

REFLECT & PRAY

“How does a human father ‘pity’ His children? He considers their weakness, immaturity, and ignorance, and so does not require of them more than they can handle. Our Father does the same with us” (Stanley).

Father thank You for being faithful and for remaining faithful to me. Encourage me to be faithful to You and not shrink back.

INSIGHT

Philippians 1:6 I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

He never gives up on us, no matter what we do. No matter our actions, He remains unwavering in His commitment to us. He is faithful and determined to accomplish what He set out to do.

What is the good work that the Father has promised will complete? First and foremost, it is the work of the gospel (Philippians 1:3-5).

The work of the gospel produces salvation. “In the New Testament, God has revealed that salvation is a process. It involves justification when a sinner trusts Jesus Christ as their Savior. It includes progressive sanctification that occurs from the time of justification to the Christian’s death or the Rapture. It culminates in glorification when the redeemed sinner finally sees Jesus Christ and experiences transformation into His image” (Constable).

Only the Father has the authority to justify the children of the King. He alone will bring us to glory (1 Corinthians 15:50-57). While every child of the King is involved in sanctification, our role involves active participation and cooperation. Despite this, it’s possible for us to resist, challenge, and even hinder the sanctifying efforts of the Father within us (1 Thessalonians 5:19, Ephesians 4:30).

Our Father is merciful and compassionate. That is what He is and what he does. He chooses to forgive and forget our sins, iniquities, and transgressions.

Psalms 103:10-14

10 He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.

 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.

 12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.

 13 The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.

 14 For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.

If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is (2 Timothy 2:13).

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© Dr. H 2024

So let it be written ∙

So let it be written ∙

I now teach you these decrees and regulations just as the LORD my God commanded me so that you may obey them. – Deuteronomy 4:5

Nehemiah 8:6,8

 6 Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

 8 They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.

In 1956, the legendary Cecil B. DeMille brought to the screen an epic masterpiece, “The Ten Commandments.” The film boasted a stellar cast, with Charlton Heston portraying Moses, Yul Brynner as Rameses II, Anne Baxter as Nefertiti, and John Derek as Joshua.

The movie is remembered for its powerful lines, including:

“It would take more than a man to lead the slaves from bondage. It would take a god. And I am no god, I am but a man” (Moses).

“His god…is God!” (Rameses II).

“He has forgotten both of us. You lost him when he went to seek his God. I lost him when he found his God” (Sephora, speaking to Nefertiti regarding Moses).

“So let it be written; so let it be done” (Rameses II). What does this mean? The Egyptians were meticulous record keepers. When important decisions were made or actions performed, they were written down by a court scribe.

The Father has provided people with an accurate, written record regarding Himself, biblical history, His will, His standards, and His plans for the future. To paraphrase Ramses II, “What has been written is what is to be done.”

The Father has revealed what He wants the children of the King to know, believe, and act upon. But sadly, people have poor memories. Do the children of the King know what the Father desires or asks of them? Do they know where to begin to fulfill His dreams for them?

The remarkable story and the events portrayed in Cecil B. DeMille’s movie, The Ten Commandments, are often considered nothing but myth today. How can this possibly have happened? The Scriptures have been preserved and handed down through the centuries. The warning to remember one’s history, issued to the children of Israel 3500 years ago, has never been more pertinent.

Deuteronomy 4:9-13

 9 But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.

 10 Never forget the day when you stood before the LORD your God at Mount Sinai, where he told me, “Summon the people before me, and I will personally instruct them. Then they will learn to fear me as long as they live and teach their children to fear me.”

 12 And the LORD spoke to you from the heart of the fire. You heard the sound of his words but didn’t see his form; there was only a voice.

 13 He proclaimed his covenant – the Ten Commandments – which he commanded you to keep, and which he wrote on two stone tablets.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father does not have grandchildren. He only has children. Each of us must decide to believe and eagerly desire to learn and follow what He has provided.

Father may I eagerly seek You. May I be attentive, hear, listen, and receive Your word, and may I respond accordingly.

INSIGHT

There’s a story about two graduate students discussing the event where Moses records the parting of the Red Sea in the book of Exodus. The first student expresses disbelief, saying, “I am at a loss; how could such an event ever occur?” To this, the second student responds, “It’s simple! The story of the Red Sea is the story of a miracle. When you believe in God, you believe in miracles.” The first grad student says, “Now I understand. I don’t believe in miracles because I don’t believe in God.”

Our culture has shifted away from theism, the belief in a prayer-hearing God Who is there and Who acts in the space-time continuum. The collateral damage has been considerable. Faith in the Father God, as revealed in the Scriptures, has become almost absent. Reverence and worship are becoming outdated notions for many. Tragically, the Father and His teachings have lost their relevance to a significant portion of the population.

This is nothing new. It has happened many times in history. Before we criticize others, perhaps we should examine ourselves. Do we read the Scriptures with eagerness and understanding? Do we make life decisions based on what we read? Or do we take the Father for granted?

By around 600 BC, the children of Israel had become complacent and fallen into a state of spiritual apathy. They were simply going through the motions of their faith. They had head knowledge, but the Father was far from their hearts. They defied the proclamations of His prophets. They ignored and disregarded the warnings of His prophets of impending doom. Prophets like Ezekiel and Jeremiah were met with hostility and horrible mistreatment.

There was no change of heart nor repentance; judgment fell. Jerusalem was conquered, the temple was destroyed, and the people were taken to Babylon.

Captive in Babylon, the children of Israel were demoralized, saddened, and afraid. So much had been lost. They lamented and longed for “the good old days.”

However, ironically, those “good old days” led to their current plight.

Eventually, Babylon fell to the Persians, and the people of Israel were allowed to return home. The Father raised up Nehemiah and Ezra. The Word of God was again available to be heard, understood, believed, and followed.

It was read aloud to the people, translated as needed, and explained. Truth and sound teaching were again within reach. The people were eager and attentive. Hard times have a way of turning things around, even for the hardest of hearts.

Nehemiah 8:2-10

 2 Ezra the priest brought the Book of the Law before the assembly, including the men, women, and children old enough to understand.

 3 He read it from early morning until noon to everyone who could understand. All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law.

 6 Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

 8 They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.

 9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the LORD your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

 10 This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”

The time for mourning and weeping was over. A new day had begun. The children of the King had rediscovered and embraced the Father God and His Word and soon discovered that, indeed, “the joy of the LORD is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10).

The “good old days” of Israel bear a striking resemblance to our own times. In our fast-paced streaming culture, it is easy to take what is commonly available for granted. As children of the King, the most priceless treasure we hold is the gift from our Father: His Word.

Today can be a new day for each of us. The Father has made His Word accessible and continues to speak; are we listening? Are we open to hearing His voice?

Oh, that today you would listen as He speaks! Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, but instead listen attentively to His words today (Hebrews 3:7-8).

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© Dr. H 2024

This hurts me more than . . . ∙

This hurts me more than . . . ∙

For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. – Proverbs 3:12

Lamentations 3:31-33

 31 For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever.

 32 Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love.

 33 For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow.

Many of us know the phrase, “This hurts me more than it hurts you.” Parents often utter this statement when administering discipline, such as spanking. However, the validity of this statement from the perspective of the child receiving the discipline is highly doubtful.

The expression, intended to convey a parent’s regret over having to discipline their child, rings a bit hollow. Pain is pain. Pain, whether physical or emotional, is experienced deeply by the child. The physical discomfort of discipline is not painless. On top of that, there is often emotional hurt, which may equal or exceed the physical pain. While the sentiment of the parent is understandable, is it accurate? If the parent were to exchange places with the child, would they agree? Tragically, some parents are simply angry and vindictive and take it out of their kids. How tragic!

When necessary, discipline should always be enveloped in love, reassurance, and comfort to ensure the child understands the context and feels supported throughout the process.

In 1962, the United States discovered, via aerial surveillance, that the Soviet Union was installing missiles capable of striking the US in Cuba. This precipitated the “Cuban Missile Crisis.” President John F. Kennedy announced that he was placing a naval blockade around Cuba to prevent the delivery of any more weapons. A maritime blockade is normally considered an act of war.

During the tense moments of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev issued a stark warning that any attempt to intercept Russian ships could lead to war. This period is vividly remembered by many Americans who lived through it as a time of heightened anxiety, with people stocking up on groceries in anticipation of possible conflict.

Ultimately, Khrushchev relented and agreed to dismantle the missile installations in Cuba. A memorable cartoon by Edmund Valtman, published on October 30, 1962, humorously portrayed Khrushchev as a dentist ready to remove missiles, depicted as teeth, from Cuban leader Fidel Castro’s mouth, capturing the relief and absurdity of the moment.

On a more personal and spiritual note, I recognize that trials and tribulations are inherent to life, especially from the perspective of being a child of the King. It is through discipline that the Father molds our character, teaching us patience, fostering a spirit of humility, and nurturing a deeper bond with Him.

However, amidst personal struggles, it is natural and normal to ponder the omnipotence of my heavenly Father, knowing He has the power to stop my suffering at any moment. This leads me to question why He chooses not to intervene immediately. The children of Israel posed this question some 2600 years ago, to which the Father provided an answer.

Ezekiel 18:25 You say, “The Lord isn’t doing what’s right!” Listen to me, O people of Israel. Am I the one not doing what’s right, or is it you?

Every now and then, I wonder if the Father is perhaps more like a marine drill sergeant or inflexible judge rather than a loving, gracious, understanding father. Sometimes, I imagine myself as a nail, and He is the hammer.

It is natural to have these doubts and feelings, but such feelings are totally incorrect and based not on the truth of His Word but on earthly, natural, and demonic wisdom (James 3:15).

The Father takes no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies (Ezekiel 18:32), not to mention suffering.

The Father may allow us to go through tough times, but He does all this to do us “good in the end.” We may not see that good right away, but if we trust Him, He will bless us in His time (Stanley). Enduring difficult times develops obedience and character.

Hebrews 5:8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.

It is way too common for the children of the King to become frustrated and even angry when the Father disciplines them.

REFLECT & PRAY

So often, we ask why. But if we really knew why, would it make any difference? Would anything change? Would it make our circumstances any better? During our difficulties, it seems like they will last forever, but in fact, they are only transitory. Paul calls them “momentary light afflictions” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Father I recognize that it is so easy for me to doubt You and even think the worst of You. Help me to remember that You are indeed my father, and I am Your beloved child. And to remember that it grieves Your heart when You see me struggle.

INSIGHT

“A Greek boy was expected to ‘work out’ in the gymnasium until he reached his maturity. It was a part of his preparation for adult life. The writer [of the book of Hebrews] viewed the trials of the Christian life as a spiritual discipline that could help a believer mature. Instead of trying to escape the difficulties of life, we should rather be ‘exercised’ by them so that we might grow (Hebrews 12:11)” (Wiersbe).

Hebrews 12:6, 10-11

 6 For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.

 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.

 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening – it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

The Greek word for discipline is paideuo, which means to child-train. Paideuo originally meant to bring up a child or to educate. It was used as an activity directed toward moral and spiritual nurture. Its goal was to train the child and thus influence his conscious will and action. From a spiritual perspective, it involved guiding and correcting the children of the King to align with biblical truth. The English word pediatrics comes from this Greek word. Pediatrics is the medical specialty dedicated to the health and care of children.

Punishment and discipline are not the same. Punishment looks back and attempts to administer appropriate penalties or consequences for what has occurred. But discipline looks forward. Discipline is child-training. Godly parents provide their children with discipline in love. Sadly, many children of the King lacked one or even both parents who performed biblically-based parenting. Regardless, we are to persevere when we are child-trained.

Hebrews 12:5 He said, My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline and don’t give up when he corrects you.

Child training is intended to humble us. It often brings us to the end of ourselves. It is preparing us for the future and the dream that the Father has for us. Discipline is a part of His loving care for us.

Does discipline “hurt” the Father more than it hurts us?

The Father sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, into the world to die on the cross. He had to watch the horror of it all. Was it not horrific when the Lord Jesus Christ bore the weight and punishment of all the sins of the human race? As mere humans, we will never fully comprehend the pain and suffering that both Father and Son went through.

Suffering is not pleasant or easy, but it is part of life in our fallen world. The Father led the Lord Jesus Christ through suffering, and He does the same for every child of the King. The Father’s discipline demonstrates that He loves us rather than a lack thereof.

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© Dr. H 2024

Solid rock or shifting sand ∙

Solid rock or shifting sand ∙

Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. – Matthew 7:24

Matthew 7:24-27

 24 Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.

 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and, the floodwaters rise, and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.

 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.

 27 When the rains and floods come, and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.

Standing majestically in Dubai, UAE, the Burj Khalifa claims the title of the world’s tallest building. Construction began on January 6, 2004, and was completed on October 1, 2009. It’s a marvel of modern engineering, towering 2,722 feet with 163 floors.

The foundation of such an immense structure is crucial for its stability. The Burj Khalifa’s deep, firm foundation consists of 192 piles of steel and concrete that go nearly 17 stories into the ground.

Choosing the right location is paramount in construction. You need to build down to build up. It begins with a suitable location. Who would be moronic enough to build in a flood zone or a dried-up riverbed? The ultimate folly found in construction is giving no thought to the location or foundation.

This principle of building on a solid foundation applies equally to spiritual formation. A robust and dynamic spiritual life also demands a strong base. Unfortunately, many overlook the importance of establishing this foundation and never seriously consider it. They are embarking on their spiritual journey without direction. They start building haphazardly, a little here and a little there. When the storms of life come, it can lead to disaster.

Making informed decisions starts with asking the right questions. What is the basis of your life? Is your information accurate and proven to be reliable over time? Can your chosen foundation genuinely support your well-being?

While advice is abundant, not all of it is beneficial. Bad, paltry advice is even more plentiful. Some suggest following one’s passion, while others advocate pursuing wealth and material success as a path to comfort and security. Some recommend seeking love and finding the right person as the ultimate goal. However, given our imperfect nature and flawed world, even the soundest advice may be limited.

Every child of the King should diligently seek the best, wisest counsel available. Choose your advisors well. The Scriptures abound with narratives of individuals who have thrived under wise counsel. The Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, have a solid track record that stretches through the ages.

The Lord Jesus Christ provides the best of all counsel. He offers unparalleled advice. Listening to His teaching and acting upon it allows for a sure foundation for life.

REFLECT & PRAY

“It begins with a suitable location.. Those who obey out of love for Jesus build a solid life for themselves of strength and endurance. Terrible storms may hit them, but they can never destroy them.” (Stanley).

Father help me hear, reflect upon, and obey the words of the Lord Jesus Christ.

INSIGHT

The Sermon on the Mount was given near the Sea of Galilee. The soil surrounding the Sea of Galilee consists of alluvial sand. It was hard on the surface during the heat of summer. But during the winter, when rains came, the alluvial surface of sand would become soggy and unstable. However, there was bedrock approximately 10 feet below the surface of the sand. To build a stable structure, a wise builder had only to dig down to the bedrock and begin there.

“Houses built on bedrock would be able to withstand the floods. Excavations in the late 1970s in the region uncovered basalt stone bedrock that was apparently used for the foundation of a building in antiquity” (Wilkins).

Before the era of modern technology brought the threat of nuclear annihilation and existential fears, natural disasters loomed as humanity’s paramount concern. The Ancient Middle East was subject to periodic famines and earthquakes, but floods were the most common and frequent natural catastrophes. This is the cultural background and context in which the Lord Jesus Christ delivered his message. His audience knew well the dangers of building on a poor foundation.

Matthew 7:24-26

 24 Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.

 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.

What does it mean to build your life on solid rock? When the Lord Jesus Christ closed the sermon on the Mount with the parable of the builders and the foundations, He did not pull any punches. His words were direct, plain, and clear when He spoke, penetrating the soul and spirit. They are intended to create a bit of discomfort, stimulate reflection, and spur self-evaluation.

Nothing has changed.

Lord Jesus Christ describes two individuals: one had chosen wisely, and the other had been a fool. The Greek word translated as a fool is moro. Moro describes someone devoid of wisdom, good sense, or sound judgment. The English word moron is derived from moro.

He explained that the wise man dug deep until reaching the bedrock, after which he constructed his home on a stable foundation. Conversely, the foolish man built a similar structure on the sand. The foundation of one man’s house is solid, and that of the other is unreliable. The onset of heavy rains and subsequent flooding reveal the quality of the foundation upon which the structure was built. The fool’s thinking was literally way too shallow.

“The man who builds his house upon the shifting foundation is likened to the person who hears Jesus’ words but does not put them into practice. The man who builds his house upon the rock is likened to the person who not only hears Jesus’ words but also puts them into practice. The difference between the two houses is, therefore, likened to the difference between obedience and disobedience” (Carson).

Becoming familiar with the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ is crucial. But familiarity and even agreement with Him are insufficient. It is one thing to hear and even approve of what He said; it is quite another to obey and put it into practice.

Listeners to His words are at a crossroads: they can either embrace and act upon His guidance or reject it and turn away. There are no other options. There is no middle ground. The storms of life reveal the strength of the foundation upon which we have built our lives.

The Word of God is the owner’s manual for the human race. We “do” His words by making them our guidebook, our manual for life, and building our lives upon them.

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© Dr. H 2022