From Thomas Watson, "The Comforting Rod," brought to my attention by Blueridge Baptist
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten." Revelation 3:19
God's afflicting rod has comfort in it--as it is a token of the special favor He bears towards us. We think that God cannot favor us--unless He pampers us in His lap. Yet He loves and favors us--when He gives us the bitter drink of affliction. God's chastening rod and God's love both stand together. The rod is a token of God's love. It is no love in God, to let men go on in sin--and never smite. Is it love to your child--to let him run into the water and drown? To be without the rod of God's discipline--is a sign of a bastard child, a mark of reprobation. "But if you are without chastisement, then you are bastards, and not sons." Hebrews 12:8. God's rod whips us to heaven!
If God will let any fall upon the rock of ruin, then He will allow them to go on in sin and not correct them. "I will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom." Hosea 4:14. Take notice:God spares the rod--in anger! God's hand is heaviest--when it is lightest! God punishes most--when He does not punish!
But God smites His people--that He may save them, and is that not love? Let me feel God's smiting hand--so that I may have His loving heart.
The Lord comes down with a murdering axe to hew down His enemies--but He has only a rattling rod forHis children. This is all the hell they ever shall feel.1 Corinthians 11:32, "We are judged and disciplined by the Lord--that we should not be condemned with the world." Is not this comfort to know--that this is the worst we shall have? God lays upon us a light affliction--and saves us from wrath to come! What is the drop of sorrow which the godly taste--compared to the bottomless sea of wrath, which the damnedendure forever?
"Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty." Job 5:17
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
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3 comments:
TF
with some grief, :), I hear you!
In the context of this, within it's bounds, please expand what Peter meant here then:::>
1Pe 1:6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
1Pe 1:7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Can I conclude that it is not "necessary" to suffer trials to prove my sincere faith as Peter asserts in the above mentioned verses of 1 Peter 1:6-7?
Dear Natamllc,
It would seem to mean:
Rejoice(!), because persecution in this life (though saddening at the time) leads to glory in the next.
God decides whether it is necessary or not that we suffer persecution, and tribulations, and afflictions in this life. If he gives those, Praise Him! If he gives us relief from them, Praise Him! In all things, Praise Him!
-Turretinfan
Ok then!
PRAISE GOD:::>
1Co 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1Co 10:32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God,
1Co 10:33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
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