April 30 | Morning

0:00April 30th, morning. And all the people of Israel grumbled, numbers chapter 14, verse 2. There are grumblers among Christians now, just as they were in the camp of Israel of old. There are those who went punish cry out against the affliction. They ask, why am I afflicted? What have I done to be chasened in this manner? A word with you, grumbler. Why should you grumble against the dealings of your heavenly Father? Can he treat you more severely than you deserve? Consider what a rebel you once were, but he has pardoned you. Surely, if he and his wisdom considers it necessary to chase in you, you should not complain. After all, are you punished as severely as your sins deserve?

1:01Consider the corruption that is in your heart, and then will you wonder that so much of the rod is necessary to root it out? Way yourself, and discern how much dross is mingled with your gold. And do you think the fire is too hot to purge away the amount of dross you have? Doesn't your proud rebellious spirit prove that your heart is not thoroughly sanctified? Are those grumbling words contrary to the holy, submissive nature of God's children? Isn't the correction necessary? But if you will grumble against the chasening, pay attention, for it will go hard with grumblers. God always chastises his children twice if they do not respond properly the first time. To know this, he does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men. All his corrections are sent in love to purify you and to draw you nearer to himself.

2:01Surely it must help you to bear the chasening with submission if you are able to recognize your father's hand. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son whom he receives. No grumble the way some of them did and were destroyed by the destroyer.