October 19

Regulated Chastisement

For I am with you to save you, declares the LORD. Though I will completely destroy all the nations to which I have scattered you, I will not completely destroy you. Yet I will discipline you justly, and will by no means leave you unpunished. — Jer 30:11 BSB

To be left without correction would be a fatal sign, proving that the Lord has said, "Leave him alone; he’s given over to his idols." God forbid that such a fate would ever be ours! Uninterrupted prosperity should make us fearful, for it may signal God's neglect. As many as God tenderly loves, He rebukes and chastens. Those whom He has no regard for are allowed to grow fat and carefree, like cattle being fattened for slaughter. It’s out of love that our heavenly Father disciplines His children.

But notice this: the correction is always measured. He gives us love without measure, but chastisement comes "in measure." Just as under the old law no Israelite could receive more than "forty stripes minus one," ensuring that suffering was carefully counted and limited, so it is with every afflicted member of God's household. Every stroke is measured. It’s the measure of wisdom, the measure of sympathy, and the measure of love that regulates our chastisement. How could we rebel against such divinely appointed corrections? Lord, if You are the one standing by to measure out each bitter drop in my cup, I will gladly take it from Your hand and drink it according to Your will, saying, "Your will be done."