December 14, 2016: SOAP #2568:  Hebrews 12-13, Jude

Scripture:  Hebrews (NIV) 12:9 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! 10 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.  11 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.

Observation:  One expression of a father’s love is discipline.  Discipline is not pleasant.  It is not meant to be a joyful time of enjoying a father’s presence.  It is designed to make a lasting impression.  It is meant to be remembered when tempted to repeat the action that brought the discipline.

Application:   If I respected my earthly father for his discipline, how much more should I respect my Heavenly Father.  I should be concerned when I do not experience His discipline.  His discipline, and my response, brings righteousness and peace into my life.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, (as someone said,) you love me just the way I am, but you love me too much to leave me that way.  Thank you for caring enough to discipline me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!