Inseparable Aspects of Discipline

I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him. 2 Samuel 7:14,15

God spoke these words to King David in regards to his son Solomon. David was nearing the end of his life as well as his reign over Israel. He knew Solomon would succeed him to the throne. David of all men knew what the chastening hand of God was like but he also knew what God’s lovingkindness was like. Unless we see both aspects of God we will walk through this life with a distorted view of God’s love as well as His discipline.

Many times, God’s method of discipline is through human sources. I think of a child being disciplined by his parents, a person standing before a judge or sitting behind bars, a person getting a speeding ticket, a person getting fired, a student being given sentences or detentions. The list could go on and on. Often times we forget that the one handing out the discipline is actually an extension of God’s hand. There are people who become angry with the one who presents them with the consequence for their own choices instead of owning up to the fact that they did wrong. This verse could speak volumes to them if they let it. Any time we do wrong and face the consequences through human sources we can rest assured that God is doing what He said He would do. He loves us too much to let us continue in our sinful behavior.

But I must see the second part of this verse as well. I must understand God’s lovingkindness never leaves. He does not remove it when I sin or when I face the consequences for my sin. As a matter of fact, it is during the time of chastening that I must realize God’s lovingkindness is still present. I remember a time a couple years ago when I faced some consequences for handling a situation wrong. I was new in my journey with Him and I can remember telling Him that I would face anything that comes as long as I knew He was with me. It was during that time that I learned of the graciousness of His forgiveness and the truth of His presence.

Father, for far too many years I missed the last part of this verse. Now the truth of it captures my heart in a powerful way. I love You. Amen!