To Christians who may have been overcome by self-pity, the Holy Spirit reminded, “…consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin” (Hebrews 12:3, 4). It does not sound like a very compassionate tone, does it? So, the Spirit proceeds with a discussion of joyfully accepting Divine discipline. “And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives” (Hebrews 12:5-6). Such disciplining comments and exhortations emanate from love, not bitterness. They proceed from a God who wants us to be trained to be “partakers of His holiness” (12:10). The recipients count the comments not as pleasant, but if wise, as useful to be trained toward righteousness (12:11). After all, our physical parents have disciplined us for our good – why shouldn’t our Heavenly Father do the same (12:9)?
God’s discipline comes through words. Well, not just any old words such as might be used by an angry dad scolding a disobedient son. God’s discipline comes through inspired words that pierce the conscience-laden heart. His Word is “living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). When God speaks, we react not mindlessly as a dog, which is only sorry because it hurts from being hit with a rolled newspaper. We react as humans, endowed by our Creator with a sense of morality. We react as persons touched with guilt when confronted with the conflict between His will and our behavior.
Sometimes that conflict results in repentance. After the first Gospel sermon, the people were “cut to the heart” and desperately wanted forgiveness (Acts 2:37). After a later Gospel sermon, some self-righteous were also “cut to the heart,” but they reacted defensively and violently (Acts 7:54-58). The contrast effectively illustrates that God’s Word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11). When God disciplines with His Word, it will have an effect. Man’s innate sense of morality will not allow it not to have an effect. The question is whether it will be a response of repentance or retaliation, of godly sorrow or mean-spirited anger.
To retaliate, to rebel against God’s discipline is hopeless and futile. His will shall be done. Our soul’s salvation depends on whether or not we respond appropriately to His chastening.
