Hebrews 12: 5-11
And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: �My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.� Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 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 our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 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.
Are we really God’s children? Discipline is a sign of legitimacy. Dr Bibza explained that he was more strict with own kids rather than kids in his neighborhood. If his kids run around the street dangerously, he would be quick to discipline them. But he would not be so quick to discipline young strangers. When we experience God’s discipline, we should be thankful and quick to learn. Sometimes our parents mess up on discipline. They may punish the wrong child whom they thought was guilty. But God disciplines us “for our own good.” He never messes up.
