May 9: RECEIVE CORRECTION FROM THE LORD

 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent.” Revelation 3:19

Oh, beloved, what is it to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge (Ephesians 3:19a)? How is it even possible to know anything that passes knowledge? From our human perspective, it must begin with believing all that He says. In beginning such a relationship with Jesus, His love for us is indeed greater than we know. And if we will believe that fact, we will also be accepting of His rebukes and His chastenings. We will act upon His counsel. Our Father in heaven possesses infinite love and mercy, but He makes it clear that His longsuffering and patience have a limit. He will not strive with us infinitely (see Genesis 6:3). To understand this is much to our advantage and benefit. King David recognized that he had severely tested God’s patience, for he cried out, “O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure!” (Psalm 38:1) It is because of His great heart of love that His anger flames up over the things that cause harm to His people.

“Therefore, be zealous and repent.”  The word zealous could be equated with the word hot in verses 15 and 16. We have, in recent days, considered the fact that riches of any kind, even spiritual knowledge, can puff people up with pride and evil boasting. But this is not God’s way. The repentance necessary in such cases may need to happen repeatedly, as in daily. If I will walk humbly with Him, He will lead me in the way which is best: His way! Freedom from pride also frees me from other ‘weights’ placed upon my soul by the enemy. But the best part of it is not only being freed from certain things, but gaining the freedom to act in faithfulness and obedience in every area of life. Paul would tell us that gaining humility removed scales (Acts 9:18) from his eyes! Paul’s will entered into alignment with God’s will.

For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

There is more good news that will only increase throughout eternity: there is a place for boasting. Call it glorying!

“But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight,” says the LORD. Jeremiah 9:24

For further study: Hebrews 12:3-11