Punishment

April 3rd – John 1:29

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John 1:29

Could you imagine standing in that crowd, hearing John announce the arrival of Jesus? Christ wasn’t just another teacher or prophet. He was the sacrifice, the fulfillment of every promise, and the answer to every longing. From the moment sin entered the world, we were separated from God, lost and unable to save ourselves. But God, in His great mercy, sent Jesus the perfect Lamb, to take our place. On the Cross, He bore our shame, our guilt, and our punishment. And when He declared, “It is finished,” the weight of our sin was lifted forever. Easter is more than a holiday. It’s our rescue story. It’s the reminder that we don’t have to carry our past, failures, or our burdens anymore. The Lamb of God has already taken them. Because of Jesus, grace wins. Because of Jesus, we are free. This Easter, let’s stand in awe of the One who gave everything to bring us back to God. Thank You, Jesus, for being the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world, including mine.

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July 20th- Proverbs 3:12

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Proverbs 3:12

“For whom the LORD loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.”

There’s a quote which says, “Discipline doesn’t break a child’s spirit half as often as the lack of it breaks a parent’s heart.” No one one wants to be punished. Even if it comes with a promise of being for our own good. But not only can we take solace from God’s discipline, but delight in His correction. Because as our loving Father, God desires a close relationship with His children and only the very best for us. And His discipline is an expression of this love, not a form of punishment meant to harm or condemn. Just as a parent corrects their child out of love and concern for their well-being, God’s discipline is intended to guide and shape us. To lead us away from harmful paths and towards His intended purpose for our lives. So even though the consequences of our actions may be painful for a season, we can rejoice because God’s love remains steadfast. And because of that love He refuses to leave us undisciplined.

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March 4th – Job 5:17

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Job 5:17

Theologian John Owen is quoted as saying, “Love precedes discipline.” No one likes correction. But rather than being a punishment, God’s discipline is an act of love and grace from a loving Father to His wayward child. The Lord only wants the very best for us. And so He disciplines, leading us to repentance and complete dependency on Him. This in turn results in great blessings. Blessings including strengthening our faith, and spiritual growth. For as Hebrews 12:11 reminds us, “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Although sometimes painful, we can find joy in God’s discipline. Because not only does that mean we are His, we can become better versions of ourselves and deepen our relationship with God.

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January 3rd – Psalm 21:13

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Psalm 21:13

When someone hurts us, it’s in our nature to want to retaliate. To make them feel, not only the same, but worse pain than they caused us. But instead of encouraging revenge or getting even, God demands something unfair, undoable, and unjust. Not only does He want us to leave the punishing to Him, but He expects us to forgive our enemies. And most infuriating of all, to pray blessings into their lives. But how do we do that when what we want is vengeance? Through the power of the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence.” The power of God allowed David to rule as king, defeat his enemies, and experience victory over trials. And that same power allows us to forgive others, restore broken relationships, and have hearts overflowing with grace and mercy instead of dried and hardened from bitterness and revenge.

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August 29th – Hebrews 12:6

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Hebrews 12:6

Author Ellen J Barrier once said, “I believe that parents who love their children do everything for them with love, even discipline.” But even when it’s done from a loving heart, no one likes punishment. Yet the writer of Hebrews tells us to rejoice when we’re being disciplined by God. Because it’s one of the kindest things He can do. For through discipline, we see the love our Father has for His children. As parents ourselves we understand that raising successful, independent, and healthy children comes from training them up in the way they should go. Training rooted in love, correction tempered with compassion, and punishment doled out with mercy. God wants just as much for His children to be successful. So from His great love, He doesn’t turn a blind eye to our mistakes. Instead He disciplines us as much as needed, and only as long as needed. And all for our good and His glory.

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