Everyone loves receiving gifts right? You drop little hints when your birthday is near, hoping to get that one special (and unnecessary) extravagance you would never buy for yourself. You might search the premises and “accidentally” find it, then shake it, and sniff it, (don’t grimace – you know who you are) in the hopes of identifying it. Then the day arrives, you open your gift(s) and you are overwhelmed with joy when you get the gift you wanted. What a great feeling! Fun will be had by all!
Now a change of scenery…
You are getting ready to spend time with the Lord in prayer and bible reading. You’ve got your notebook, four different colored pens made exclusively for ladies who like ‘Bic For Her’ pens, your bible and concordance, a pastry or some type of chocolaty goodness, and a hotel bell that you can ring when you get an epiphany. (yes I really have the bell) Now you’re all set.
So you’re reading, reading, and you come across a verse that doesn’t make sense. Well, it’s not that it doesn’t make sense, it’s just that it doesn’t go with what you already believed on that particular subject. Other verses come to mind that supports what you just read and you’re starting to get excited. You meditate on those opposing verses and compare them to what you once believed on that subject and you know that something’s got to give. You meditate and pray some more on this. Then one day you realize that the verses only make sense if you discard what you previously believed. (ring that bell if you’ve got one) You see things a little differently and you now have a greater understanding on that subject.
Do you know what just happened???
You just received Truth which is greater than any birthday gift, or treasure you dig up on the beach! You have been corrected! The error has been exposed with the light of truth! You are no longer ignorant but knowledgeable! And, if it applies, you will no longer walk in sin but in righteousness! What was once error, lies, and confusion now resides truth, order, and obedience! This calls for serious rejoicing!!
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid. Prov 12:1 NASB
For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life. Prov 6:23
He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, But he who ignores reproof goes astray. Prov 10:17
He who neglects discipline despises himself, But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. Prov 15:32
Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, But he who regards reproof will be honored. Prov 13:18
A fool rejects his father’s discipline, But he who regards reproof is sensible. Prov 15:5
He whose ear listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. Prov 15:31
A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred blows into a fool. Prov 17:10
These verses give me great comfort and I hope they do the same for you. No one likes to find out that they’re wrong initially but if you think about it, then you realize that the Lord has given you a precious gift – a gift that you didn’t ask for yet He saw fit to reveal it to you anyway in His goodness. What a wonderful and generous Father we have! This calls for rejoicing. Again I say rejoice! (Phil 4:4)
Carol, Excellent post! There really isn’t more more to be said about how Father YHWH uses correction and reproof to teach the people whom He loves. Still, I would like to add this:
Teach me and I will be silent; and show me how I have erred (Job 6:24).