Aug. 14
CHILD CHASTISEMENT NOT FOREVER
"And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever" I
Kings 11:39
In the family of grace there is discipline, and that discipline is
severe enough to make it an evil and a bitter thing to sin. Solomon,
turned aside by his foreign wives, had set up other gods, and
grievously provoked the God of his father; therefore, ten parts out of
twelve of the kingdom were rent away, and set up as a rival state.
This was a sore affliction to the house of David, and it came upon
that dynasty distinctly from the hand of God, as the result of unholy
conduct. The Lord will chasten His best beloved servants if they cease
from full obedience to His laws: perhaps at this very hour such
chastening is upon us. Let us humbly cry "O Lord, show me wherefore
thou contendest with me."
What a sweet saving clause is that -- "but not for ever!" The
punishment of sin is everlasting, but the fatherly chastisement of it
in a child of God is but for a season. The sickness, the poverty, the
depression of spirit, will pass away when they have had their intended
effect. Remember, we are not under law, but under grace. The rod may
make us smart, but the sword shall not make us die. Our present grief
is meant to bring us to repentance, that we may not be destroyed with
the wicked.