The Daily Guide
God's a good father
No true son ever grows up uncorrected by his father. For if you had no experience of the correction which all sons have to bear you might well doubt the legitimacy of your sonship.
Hebrews 12:7 - 8 - J.B.Phillips translation
God as a good father wants to guide you in the right way of being, acting and thinking. King David wisely prayed, "Investigate my life, O God, and see for yourself whether I've done anything wrong then guide me." Your Heavenly Father is pleased to help you get your life on the track to be in the way of blessing. Psa.139:23-24.
Some Christians think they can expect suffering in this life as a kind of spanking from the Lord. This is a sad misunderstanding. It primarily arises from reading in a traditional translation the scripture preceding the scripture passage I've quoted above and coming across the word "chastening". At this, people mentally put "physical chastisement" next to it. This wrongly changes what the passage is conveying. By reading the original, Old Testament written record of this scripture you can set things straight. Then you find that the scripture provides us with a metaphor likening the way the Lord corrects those whom He loves with the way a father corrects a son he delights in. Prov.3:11-12.
God's fatherhood is like that known in days when a son grew up in the father's craft or trade. In those times the father apprenticed the son with correction. This meant he could grow up, take over the business and continue to prosper in it. Like those fathers, God wants to make the most of every day of His relationship with you. He wants to minister instruction to you that corrects you. Respond to God's correction. Make the changes and grow up in the footsteps of Jesus.
May you live in Christ's peace
Copyright © 2008 P.F. (Simon) Measures
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