April 29, 2023

Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11

My response to unpleasant circumstances, however they come about, is an indication of the direction of my life. If I am among those who have been trained by [chastening], the direction of my life will be heavenward. While on that upward path, there is potential to be the Lord’s heavenly viewfinder for a dear fellow soul who has also been met with suffering.

The study of Jesus, The Word (John 1:1), is the greatest occupation for sinful man. All of Scripture comprises the written word of our Great Teacher. There needs to be an order to our understanding. While it is true that we suffer many consequences of sin while living in a broken world, such “judgements” are not to be confused with the final judgement of our Lord. If we regard these as nudges, chastening, reminders or warnings, then the sufferings we experience can serve to point us to the Redeemer and thus strengthen our faith.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

He has promised to soon bring an end to all of the tears and pain that have marred our earthly existence. It is in this context and perspective that we can endure each of the trials, tests, and tribulations of a broken world. And not only endure, but do so in the assurance of an unshakeable faith.

To see our Savior, who came to walk among us, in the role of Creator is to begin to understand the gift of the will that He placed within each of us. At Gethsemane, even He pled with His heavenly Father from the perspective of humanity, saying, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” (Mark 14:36)

In preparing us for the end times which are steadily intensifying by the way, we are reminded of His role as Creator: …worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water. (Revelation 14:7b) It is noteworthy that the last three words bring to mind the fountains of the great deep (Genesis 7:11), while the previous ones are lifted directly from the fourth commandment (Exodus 20:11).

If Jesus, in a close love relationship with His heavenly Father, could suffer the way He did—and all on our behalf—then let us exercise the will that He gave us to pray in all circumstances—for prayer is an effort of the will. Let us be trained up in righteousness as we trust Him who allows our circumstances . . . all of them! The direction of our lives depends upon it.

My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction; For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12