June 29 – Daily Devotional

31 May June 29 – Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

THE LORD DISCIPLINES THE ONE HE LOVES

Hebrews 12:4-6 “In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.  And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son.”

When you read or hear the word discipline you most likely think it refers to some type of punishment given because of a sin committed.  The Greek word from which the English word discipline is derived here in today’s Bible verses means, “to provide instruction, with the intent of forming proper habits of behavior—‘to teach, to instruct, to train.’”

When a parent disciplines their child the withholding of a privilege, sending them to their room, scolding them may cause their child some immediate discomfort but, the goal is to teach them to recognize a proper behavior and cease to behave in an improper manner.  The parent’s discipline is for the child’s good even though at the moment the child may feel that nothing good has happened to them.

Likewise, today’s verses want you to view God’s discipline as “words of encouragement.”  He loves you unconditionally.  Jesus died in payment for your sins and rose again so that God declared you no longer guilty of them.  God does not intend for anything He permits to occur in your life for your harm, although at the moment it might not look that way.  God has the long-term view in mind.  His goal is for you, as yesterday’s devotion said, to cross the finish line.  He wants you to spend eternity with Him in heaven.

As a loving parent disciplines their child for their good so God disciplines you “to provide instruction, with the intent of forming proper habits of behavior—‘to teach, to instruct, to train (you.)’”

Prayer:  Holy Spirit give me eyes to see the good that my heavenly Father intends for me through His discipline He brings to bear upon my life.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Let me be Thine forever, My faithful God and Lord;

Let me forsake Thee never Nor wander from Thy Word.

Lord, do not let me waver, But give me steadfastness,

And for such grace forever Thy holy name I’ll bless.

Lord Jesus, my salvation, My light, my life divine,

My only consolation, O make me wholly Thine!

For Thou hast dearly bought me With blood and bitter pain.

Let me, since Thou hast sought me, Eternal life obtain.

And Thou, O Holy Spirit, My comforter and guide,

Grant that in Jesus’ merit I always may confide.

Him to the end confessing Whom I have known by faith.

Give me Thy constant blessing And grant a Christian death.

(LSB 689)