Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Amos 3-4

As a mom, I want my discipline to bring my children to repentance. I want them to grieve their sin, see their error, and turn around.

But, all too often, that’s not the case. In fact, my discipline can end up making them more hard-hearted and rebellious. My words of gentle correction, or the natural consequences of their actions, can end up causing them to blame everyone but themselves.

• Does that mean I’m wrong to discipline them?
• Does that mean I should look the other way as they run headlong away from what is right?

My heart grieves with the Lord as He says five times in Amos 4, “yet you did not return to me.” He had withheld rain. He had struck their gardens with blights and locusts. He had even brought death upon some of their young men, yet they did not return to Him.

It reminds me of a line from one of Charles Spurgeon’s sermons.

The same sun which melts wax
hardens clay.
And the same Gospel which melts
some persons to repentance
hardens others in their sins.

C.H. Spurgeon

The Lord disciplines those He loves. That discipline will harden some and convict others. I wonder, which am I? Am I listening when the Lord is trying to get my attention? Am I willing to correct my course when the Lord is putting road blocks in my way?

How about you? How have you handled the Lord’s rod of correction? Where do you need to do an about-face and return to Him, your Creator?

Heavenly Father, We are indeed silly sheep who often go astray and wander into dangerous places. Forgive us, Father, for our foolishness, our rebellion, and our disobedience. Thank You for Your loving hand that seeks to bring Your children back into the fold. Your rod and Your staff are our comfort. Help us to listen to Your voice of corrections and change course, to RETURN to YOU, the lover of our souls. In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.