God Claims You as His People
A wounding makes us feel like God is not there...and maybe even doesn't want us. His discipline is the response of a loving Father to bring about healing for the wound.
God Claims You as His People
God sent them into exile in a foreign land, the invaders killed off many. Those left in Israel had no city, nation or temple…the place God dwelt. They believed God forsook them (at best) or want them no more (at worst).
God’s message and action is tough. But this does not mean he was not with them. This does not mean he gave up on them. This doesn’t mean he isn’t in Babylon.
His tough love certainly does not mean he is gone…even if it feels like it.
He tells them…
You are my people. I am your God.
I love you with everlasting love. I have continued my faithfulness to you. Even in the pain.
Remember, promises are not needed unless there is difficulty.
God points back to the promise he made Israel from the very beginning. He loves them with an everlasting love. No sin, no foreign ruler, no exile, no desert, no dryness, nothing will ever get in the way of God loving his people.
When you are wounded and are hurt, you think God left, isn’t there or doesn’t exist, God is still there working. He does not leave you or forsake you. He is working inside of you in ways you never thought possible.
Even in discipline, God still considers you his child. In fact, because he sees you as his child, he disciplines you. His goal is not for pain just for pain. His goal is for you share in his holiness and to yield the fruit of righteousness.
Discipline is God moving you away from what is wounding you towards the One who will heal the incurable wound.
When you are exiled in Babylon, you can feel as though his presence will not go with you. You can walk into the middle of a people far from God with confidence that God is with you and giving you strength to advance his Kingdom to the ends of the earth.
God is faithful to all his promises to his children. The top of which is Immanuel — God with you — in all circumstances. Sin and in exile. Church and in Babylon.
Take God’s Word Deeper…
God’s discipline will move you away from what wounds towards the One who will heal the incurable wounds.
Where have you doubted his claim to you as a child? Where have you doubted his continued faithfulness and love?
In his Fatherhood, love and faithfulness is where you find rest. How can you find rest in the middle of chaos?
How can you lead your church to recognize they are his people, no matter what situation they find themselves in.