The Power and Purpose of a Rebuke

Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; He rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. Mark 16:14 (New International Version)

That which the Lord strongly disapproves of is the very thing He will express in a rebuke. It happened to His disciples on numerous occasions and always pinpointed heart issues and actions that needed to be exposed, admitted, and changed. He still does the same today. His rebuke is conveyed through the convicting work of the Holy Spirit. Growth and change come when I receive the rebuke, acknowledge the truth of my own heart, and by His grace do an about face in cooperation with Him. Denial and hardness of heart are the recipes for disaster in the Christian life.

I know what it is like to be in bondage to an attitude or action and I know what it is like to taste freedom in an area by hearing and heeding God’s rebukes. It requires operating in the truth rather than making excuses, accepting the status quo, laying claim to do as I want, and experiencing enough discomfort to take the necessary steps for action.

Rebukes do not feel good and for that reason they often make me cower and run for cover. Having something unacceptable exposed in me was and still is a difficult pill to swallow. My nature is such that I want others to see me at my best. I want to exhibit strength and maturity as a believer. Under it all though, God is bringing to the surface the imperfections of my heart. The wrong motives, the moments of self-pity, the desire for attention, the hunger for sympathy, and the perceived need to be under the nurturing care of people. He is letting me know those are the things that keep me from experiencing the abundant life He offers.

As I have come to see that truth, I have begun to hunger for it. That which use to taste so sweet has now soured in my mouth and I want the change God desires for me. Out of love and graciousness, He is honoring that desire and giving me the steps to take in order to see my own transformation. For me, the first steps have been to admit the truth to myself and to one other individual. Those are the necessary doors I must go through in order to leave the places that have become comfortable and confining for me and to enter the open spaces of freedom. It will take time and will entail uncomfortable moments but in the end it will be worth it.

Father, keep exposing that which keeps me from walking in freedom and joy. I trust Your heart and Your words. Amen.

Change My Heart Oh God by Eddie Espinosa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEtsHWFE6-w

I welcome your questions and comments to any devotional thoughts. I am honored and delighted to share my journey with you and privileged to hear of yours.