Like a loving parent who disciplines his child, God often disciplines King David and the Israelites under his rule. In 1 Chronicle 13, we see that God disciplined His people- even at the expense of Uzzah’s life - because the people had not respected God enough to honor His instructions on how to move the ark. While it may seem harsh, we know that discipline is an expression of love.
In Hebrews 12:5-6 we read, “And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, ‘My child don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” Why does God disciple us? Because He loves us. He wants to turn us from a pathway of destruction.
If you are a parent, you also have to discipline your children for the same reason. Your children will break the rules. Kindly, firmly, and consistently, you must administer discipline. When you do, your children will learn to live under authority. When your children respect your authority. What could be more important?
Take time to pray…
To thank God for trusting you with the responsibility of raising your children;
To ask Him to help you make necessary changes to your parenting style;
Ask Him to give you the wisdom to know how to discipline your children in a way that honors Him.
Reflect on these questions:
Why does discipline often get a bad rep?
When have you experienced the Lord's discipline? In hindsight, can you recognize His love in that discipline? Explain.
How can you make sure your children recognize the love behind your discipline?
Consider these passages for further study on parenting:
Deuteronomy 4:9 Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Psalm 113:9
He settles the childless woman in her home
as a happy mother of children.
Praise the Lord.
2 Timothy 1:5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
I Chronicles 13:9-14
When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled. 10 The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God.
11 Then David was angry because the Lord’s wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah.[a]
12 David was afraid of God that day and asked, “How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?” 13 He did not take the ark to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. 14 The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house for three months, and the Lord blessed his household and everything he had.
Great thoughts of Gary Chapman. It makes me think of making sure I don't discipline with emotion first. Showing that you are in control shows your love as you discipline more to me.