“The Lord corrects those he loves, as parents correct a child of whom they are proud” ( Proverbs 3:12).
When kids have just joined school and start taking lessons they make lots of errors. However, to their delight there is always a teacher to correct them. Unlike most adults, kids generally welcome correction. In fact, most would be dissapointed, if not corrected. Much as they love red ticks in their books, the cross mark too is also welcome. It shows interest in their efforts and paves way for improvement.
Just as with kids, we have also a Father who is in the habit of correcting us. Proverbs 3:12: “For whom the Lord loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights”. Parents are admonished, “Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul” ( Proverbs 29:17). The word of God among others is there to correct us: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” ( 2 Tim 3:16).
God has many ways in which he corrects us. Sometimes it is a case of a Nathan who comes into our lives and tactfully brings to our attention a matter we were blind to ( 2 Samuel 12). Sometimes its an open rebuke, as when Jesus told off Peter: “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” ( Mathew 16:23).
Like kids at school, not only should we expect correction but appreciate it. This is because, “For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child” ( Hebrews 12:6).
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as you correct those whom you love to save them from ruin, today I pray that I welcome your correction in my life for my good, this I pray in Jesus’s name.
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17/05/2024 - 18/05/2024 All day“And I in righteousness I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15)
One of the defining aspects we see in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ is that He began the day with prayer. “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). As he was always surrounded by crowds and after such a busy day before of preaching and engaging the Pharisees in debates this must have been a therapeutic moment for Christ when he would have some good time to himself.
But there was also more. For Jesus being away in a secluded place would also mean a chance to pour out His heart to God, meditate in quietness, plan for the day ahead and listen to the Father. Jesus must have looked up to this moment every day knowing its benefits. Conversations with His Father must have been real and intimate, bringing a certain soothing and uplifting of His spirit. You do not wake up and stick to something on a daily basis that is a drag – this must have been his best time of the day!
Martin Luther the leader of the protestant reformation is reputed to once have said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Here is the point. In the olden days before the arrival of locomotive transport those who were setting out for a long journey on foot had to start early with the first cock crow before the punishing sun came out. One of the things they had to start with also was a good meal, which was fuel needed to give them energy through the long walk to their destiny.
There are no rules about waking up to pray as first thing- or even saying prayer at a defined hour of the day. God is everywhere and ever with us. He is accessible at any time of the day. But there is something special about prioritizing our lives that the first thing we do is to talk to God. Just like the early traveller we need fuel, for the long day ahead!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, what a joy and privilege to make time at the start of any day, talk and hear from you, for the power I need through the day, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
