If you had a child that was heading in the wrong direction would you love them enough to discipline them? Would you correct their behavior in order to save them from themselves? The type of discipline we are discussing is loving discipline not to be confused with abusive discipline.
Jeremiah had been a faithful prophet of the Lord for over 35 years. He had proclaimed God’s Word to call the nation of Judah and the city of Jerusalem back to the Lord. The people of Judah had become proud and sinful, but the Lord had a tough love plan to draw them back to himself. Jeremiah the prophet then unveils God’s plan. 2 “This is what the Lordsays: ‘Everyone who stays in Jerusalem will die from war, famine, or disease, but those who surrender to the Babylonians will live. Their reward will be life. They will live!’ 3 The Lord also says: ‘The city of Jerusalem will certainly be handed over to the army of the king of Babylon, who will capture it.’ ” [1] Jeremiah 38:2-3
God knew the only way he was going to reach His people was to hand them over the nation of Babylon where they would be taken into captivity for the next 70 years. The Lord knew their captivity would be a time of refinement, a time of turning back to God, and a time of renewal. Their sinful condition would lead the Lord to take drastic measures. Without God’s intervention they would continue to spiral down as individuals and collectively as a nation. Many believe the United States is headed down this path.
At the time of discipline, no nation, child or adult enjoys it and often complains it is not fair and lacks love. Maybe you experienced tough love in your life or feel like you are experiencing it right now. You may wonder if God loves you. In Hebrews 12:6 the author writes, “For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” [2]
The good news is God does love you and He is willing to discipline you to get you back on the right path in life. The Lord is more interested in our spiritual well-being than our personal comfort. Praise the Lord we have a God that cares that much.
[1, 2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Je 38:2–3, Hebrews 12:6). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.