Day 5 - Growing Strong to Carry On

“But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.” (Isaiah 53:5, NLT)

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” (John 15:1-2, NLT)

“And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, ‘My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.’” (Hebrews 12:5-6, NLT)

Discipline. The word reminds me of a Saturday night in my teenage years when I blatantly disregarded the curfew my parents had given me. It wasn’t the first time that having fun with friends mattered more than obeying my folks, but my cavalier attitude caught up with me when I returned home to find Mom and Dad awaiting my arrival. “You’re grounded,” my dad said. “That means you won’t be going to the concert with your friends next weekend.”

I gawked in disbelief. I’d saved money and bought tickets to attend my first-ever music concert, performed by my favorite band. My girlfriends and I had made plans for the big event, and the thought of missing out seemed worse than death to my fifteen-year-old self.

Before I could protest, Dad delivered the punch line: “This is for your own good.” I detested those words that night, but over time I acknowledged their truth. My attitude and behavior reflected a rebellious heart, and I was heading for trouble. I despised the discipline at the time, but it changed my ways and saved me from potential heartache had I stayed on that path.

Thankfully God, like a wise parent, loves us enough to correct us when He sees us heading for trouble. This aspect of His character and care is revealed in His name Yahweh Makkeh, which means “The Lord Who Smites.” God used it when addressing His stubborn and rebellious people a few years before the Babylonian army invaded their land and destroyed most of Jerusalem. He said, “I will turn my eyes away and show no pity. I will repay you for all your detestable sins. Then you will know that it is I, the LORD [Yahweh], who is striking [makkeh] the blow” (Ezekiel 7:9 NLT).

Yahweh Makkeh wounds those who reject Him, but He never behaves like a big, bad bully in the process. If we cross the boundaries He has established for our protection and well-being, then He uses His rod of discipline to bring us back to Him and to our senses. He allows hurts in our lives to bring healing. He smites to restore spiritual health.

Discipline never feels good. When Yahweh Makkeh smites us, we might be tempted to protest: “You’re not being fair!” We might doubt His intent toward us and even turn our backs toward Him.

Don’t let divine discipline breed despair or discouragement. Instead, remember Yahweh Makkeh’s love for you. Respond with a teachable heart, and remember that although the wounds He inflicts cause pain, they always serve a purpose—to strengthen your relationship with the God who longs for relationship with you.