DECEMBER 26, Hebrews 12:5-7 

Mark was a big boy for his age. At 12, he looked a few years older. At times, he would be unkind to other children. One day, his parents were told that he pushed a girl in his class, causing that girl to fall and suffer a cut on her lip. When his parents confronted Mark, Mark told them he was angry as that girl insulted him. Giving him the last chance, Mark’s dad told him, “Mark, even if you are angry for the right reason, this is not what you should do. May could have been joking with you and that is no way to treat a classmate. Daddy loves you. But should you do that again one more time, daddy would have to punish you. I’ll have to discipline you, and I’ll throw away all your toys. All.”

3 months later, Mark again pushed someone and his dad did what he promised. He punished Mark by disciplining him and throwing away all his toys. Do you think Mark likes to be punished? Do you think he ought to be punished? Do you think his dad liked to throw away the toys?

When was the last time mum or dad punished you? Can you remember what you did or did not do, that made them punish you? And in what form were you punished? We all get punished by our earthly parents. And they do that as they love us. They do that as they are our parents. Your parents would not be disciplining a boy or girl who is an absolute stranger, would they?

In the same way, God punishes us because we are His children, and He loves us. When we sin, there must be punishment. We must know we cannot continue sinning and that is why He needs to remind us.

Thought: May I accept punishment from God as love from a Heavenly Father.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to thank You so much for today’s lesson. You have the right to punish me when I disobey You. I pray that I’d remember this lesson well, and try to please You so that in whatever I think, or say, or do, You may be happy! I know that is very difficult so Abba Father, please help me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.