DECEMBER 20, 1 Kings 8:46-50

To be chastised means to be disciplined and punished for doing something wrong. Nobody likes to be disciplined and punished. But more often than not, we cannot deny that it is only those who love us who would correct our wrongdoings. Others would not care to do so.

The people of Israel had sinned against God many times before, and were severely chastised. For murmuring and complaining against God in Moses’ time, the people had to wander forty years in the wilderness. A whole generation died in the wilderness and could not enter the Promised Land. During the time of the Judges, Israel did much evil against God and worshipped idols. For that, God delivered them into the hands of their enemies. Each time Israel turned away from God, He chastised them because He loved them. It was to make them realise their sins and to turn them back to Himself.

Solomon prayed for God’s mercy during these times of chastisement. He acknowledged that when Israel sinned, Israel deserved to suffer the anger and punishment of God. The punishment was hard – to be held as captives in a foreign land. But Solomon prayed for God to have compassion, to forgive if Israel confessed and repented of their sins, and returned to God with all their heart and soul. He didn’t ask for Israel to be delivered, but humbly prayed that their foreign masters would show compassion to them during their time of captivity.

Have you sinned against God recently and are suffering the consequences of your sin? Have you told a lie, stolen, or made God angry with your filthy conversation or disobedient behavior? Were you proud in your own ways or lazy and idle with your time? If you are experiencing the consequence of your sin, be grateful that God is chastising you. Why? Because it means that you are His child and He loves you.

Even though it is a hard lesson, may Solomon’s prayer instruct and comfort you. The more you don’t feel like praying, the more you must pray and repent with your whole heart and soul. The consequences may remain, but you will experience the peace and forgiveness of your Heavenly Father.

Thought: “For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth” (Hebrews 12:6).

Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for loving me enough to chasten me when I sin. Help me to repent and seek Your forgiveness. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.