Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD, and whom you teach out of your law, to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked. For the LORD will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright of heart will follow it.1
What father doesn’t discipline his son?2 Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching.3 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.4 Trust is a fragile thing; it is not easily given nor should it. For it to be deserved the person must be tested and proven trustworthy. Whom then can we trust? People will definitely fail us; whereas, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.5 Do not be afraid . . . for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.6
What assurance do we have that God hears us? Well, do you believe that the Father sent his Son whom he loves to redeem us7? And his death on the cross satisfies the justice of God? Jesus is the perfect substitute for our sins; those who believe are made blameless before him and are adopted as sons.8 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.9
What assurance do we have that we can hear God’s voice? My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.10 This rebuke is dreadful! As a father, I cannot imagine our children being forgotten by God because of a deluded choice. What can be known about God is plainly shown through his creation.11 The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.12 “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth . . . .”13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.14
From the beginning and throughout the OT and NT, we see the Father’s heart! His very nature is relational—one God in three Persons.15 When Adam and Eve transgressed, God pointed out to Adam that he had geared away, figuratively asking, “Where are you?”16 And so with Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?”17 God gave instructions to Noah and he obeyed.18 And so with Abram.19 God protected Hagar and Ishmael; when Abraham sent Hagar away, God was concerned and sent an angel to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard . . .”20 The LORD, likewise, appeared to Isaac.21 Jacob wrestled with God; and he was reminded of his identity and destiny—renaming him, Israel.22 Then we have Moses; priests; judges; and prophets—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and more. Ezekiel was given a vision of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.23
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.23 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on25—Stop! Turn around! Run! If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.26
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me.27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will not perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.28. . . whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.29
Notes:
1. Psalm 94:12-15
2. Hebrews 12:7-11
3. Proverbs 4:1-2
4. Proverbs 3:5-6
5. Hebrews 13:8
6. Proverbs 3:25-26
7. John 3:16
8. Ephesians 1:3-14
9. 1 John 5: 14-15
10. Hosea 4:6
11. Romans 1:19-23
12. Deuteronomy 29:29
13. Proverbs 4:4-9
14. Proverbs 3:13-14
15. Deuteronomy 6:4-8; Mark 12:29-31
16. Genesis 3:9
17. Genesis 4:9
18. Genesis 6:9-7:5
19. Genesis 12:1-3
20. Genesis 21:8-21
21. Genesis 26:1-5
22. Genesis 32:24-29; 35:9-12
23. Ezekiel 1:28
24. Proverbs 3:7-8
25. Proverbs 4:14-15
26. Proverbs 1:23
27. John 6:44-45
28. John 10:27-28
29. Proverbs 1:33
