WHAT SON IS HE WHOM THE FATHER CHASTENETH NOT?

 

NOVEMBER 2.
 
What son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Hebrews 12:7

 
EVERY believer is a son of God, and
  every one of God's sons frequently require the rod.
 
God as a father is wise, prudent, and holy,
  therefore he will correct all the follies of his children,
  and make them wise unto salvation.
 
God never had a child in his family who
  did not need the rod, save his only begotten Son;
  and there never was a child of God who did not feel it.
 
If we were not children, he might allow us to go on
  and punish us with the world;
  but because we are sons, he chastens us betimes.
 
Let us therefore bear are chastisement with patience,
  for we deserve it.
Let us humble ourselves under it,
  that our father may remove it.
Let us be more anxious for its sanctification
  then for its removal.
Let us look upon all our afflictions
  as proof of our Father's love,
  as intended to lead us to repentance, and
  as calling for a reformation of life and manners.
 
Better to be chastened than disowned.
 
Better to be chasing now,
  than to be condemned with the world at last.
 

Lord, thy gracious work begin;

Now for some good token give;

Give me now to feel my sin;

Give me now my sin to leave;

Bid me look on thee and mourn,

Bid me to thine arms return.

 
James Smith 1849