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.”

Three 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 like 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 manner were you punished? We all get punished by our earthly
parents. And they do that because 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 would
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 I pray, Amen.