“Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”1 At the onset God had assured Abram, “Look, count the stars!” [PAV—Paraphrased Author’s Version] . . . “So shall your offspring be.” And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.2 But the following promises were not completely pleasing. “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for 400 years . . .”3
The LORD was setting up his chosen people to a certain standard, a cut above the rest from mankind. For they were His. And he assigned fathers to the task of orienting their children, even their children’s children. “Listen! You shall love the LORD. Teach your children diligently”4 [PAV]. For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.5
Then and now God demands the same righteous standard, holy and acceptable to him. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.6
The LORD in his infinite wisdom orchestrates order through appointed authority, beginning with the home. Scripture warns of the negligent father; take Eli, who failed to correct his sons and the ill effect of sons who would not listen to the voice of their father.7 Although wanting we may marvel at how King Saul and Jonathan were not divided until their death8 (Although Jonathan was not with Saul when he was in pursuit of David). We also appreciate how King David prepared the transition of power to Solomon.9
For failure of the father to discipline his children, God may use external institutions—through various authorities that wield the law—the National Government, Local Government Units, schools, and others. The laws are faceless even ruthless. To some, the exercise of the law may seem even legalistic and harsh.
But most brutal it seems when God further intervenes. The present pandemic is definitely a shout-out to a stiff-neck people, a wake-up call to mend our ways.
Nevertheless, be comforted that you are his. “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the ones he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”10 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.11
Notes: 1. Genesis 15:1 2. Genesis 15:5-6 3. Genesis 15:13 4. Deuteronomy 6:1-9 5. Deuteronomy 7:6 6. Romans 12:1-2 7. 1 Samuel 2:12, 22-25; 3:12-13 8. 1 Samuel 31:6; 2 Samuel 1:23 9. 1 Kings 2:1-9 10. Hebrews 12:5-6 11. Hebrews 12:11
